Display panel, display device, and method of manufacturing of the display device

ABSTRACT

A display panel including a substrate having a central area and a corner area including a central corner area including a plurality of extension areas and a first adjacent corner area adjacent to the central corner area, a plurality of display elements including a first display element arranged in the plurality of extension areas and a second display element and a third display element arranged in the first adjacent corner area, and an organic pattern surrounding each of the first display element, the second display element, and the third display element. Ends of the plurality of adjacent extension areas are spaced apart from each other by a first penetration area, and an end of the central corner area and an end of the first adjacent corner area that are adjacent to each other are spaced apart from each other by a second penetration area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2021-0046087, filed on Apr. 8, 2021, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a display panel inwhich an image display area is extended, a display device, and a methodof manufacturing the display device.

Discussion of the Background

Electronic devices based on mobility are widely used. In addition tosmall electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablet PCs have becomerecently widely used as mobile electronic devices.

Such mobile electronic devices include display devices having variousfunctions, for example, providing visual information, such as images orvideos, to a user. Recently, as other components for driving the displaydevice are miniaturized, the proportion of the display device inelectronic devices is gradually increased, and a structure that can bebent to have a certain angle in a flat state is being developed.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments provide a display panel in which an imagedisplay area is extended while increasing reliability, a display device,and a method of manufacturing the display device.

Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in partin the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodimentsof the inventive concepts.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a display panelincluding a display panel including a substrate having a central areaand a corner area, wherein the corner area includes a central cornerarea including a plurality of extension areas extending in a directionaway from the central area and a first adjacent corner area adjacent tothe central corner area, a plurality of display elements including afirst display element arranged in the plurality of extension areas and asecond display element and a third display element arranged in the firstadjacent corner area, and an organic pattern arranged on the substrateand surrounding each of the first display element, the second displayelement, and the third display element. Ends of the plurality ofadjacent extension areas are spaced apart from each other by a firstpenetration area, and an end of the central corner area and an end ofthe first adjacent corner area that are adjacent to each other arespaced apart from each other by a second penetration area.

The display device may further include an inorganic pattern arranged inthe first adjacent corner area. Each of the first display elements, thesecond display element, and the third display element is provided inplurality to constitute a first pixel array, a second pixel array,respectively, and a third pixel array, the organic pattern surroundseach of the first pixel array, the second pixel array, and the thirdpixel array, and the inorganic pattern extends between the second pixelarray and the third pixel array.

The inorganic pattern may surround at least a portion of each of thesecond pixel array and the third pixel array.

The inorganic pattern may include a first portion extending in adirection closer to the central area, a curved portion extending fromthe first portion in a curve shape, and a second portion extending fromthe curved portion in a direction away from the central area.

The display device may further include an inorganic pattern arranged inthe first adjacent corner area, and an organic insulating layer arrangedon the inorganic pattern and having a hole overlapping at least aportion of the inorganic pattern, wherein the plurality of displayelements and the organic pattern are arranged on the organic insulatinglayer.

The display device may further include an upper inorganic patternarranged between the organic insulating layer and the organic patternand having a protruding tip protruding in a center direction of thehole.

The display device may further include an encapsulating layer coveringthe plurality of display elements and including at least one inorganicencapsulating layer and at least one organic encapsulating layer. The atleast one organic encapsulating layer includes a first encapsulatingarea covering the first display element, a second encapsulating layercovering the second display element, and a third encapsulating areacovering the third display element, and the first encapsulating area,the second encapsulating area, and the third encapsulating area areseparated from each other based on the organic pattern.

The display device may further include an inorganic insulating layerarranged between the substrate and the plurality of display elements,and a lower organic insulating layer arranged between the inorganicinsulating layer and the plurality of display elements. The inorganicinsulating layer and the lower organic insulating layer arranged in thecentral corner area are disconnected from the inorganic insulating layerand the lower organic insulating layer arranged in the first adjacentcorner area with the second penetration area therebetween, and theinorganic insulating layer and the lower organic insulating layerarranged in the first adjacent corner area are respectively continuouslyarranged.

The substrate may further include a first area extending from the centerarea in a firsts direction and a second area extending from the centralarea in a second direction crossing the first direction, and the cornerarea may surround at least a portion of the first area, the second area,and the central area, and at least a portion of the first area may bearranged between the central area and the first adjacent corner area inthe first direction.

The corner area may further include a second adjacent corner areaadjacent to the central corner area, and an end of the central cornerarea and an end of the second adjacent corner area may be spaced apartfrom each other by a third penetration area, and at least a portion ofthe second area may be arranged between the central area and the secondadjacent corner area in the second direction.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a display deviceincluding a display panel and a cover window arranged on the displaypanel. The display panel includes a substrate having a central area anda corner area being bent, wherein the corner area includes a centralcorner area including a plurality of extension areas extending in adirection away from the central area and a first adjacent corner areaadjacent to the central corner area, a plurality of display elementsincluding a first display element arranged in the plurality of extensionareas and a second display element and a third display element arrangedin the first adjacent corner area, and an organic pattern arranged onthe substrate and surrounding each of the first display element, thesecond display element, and the third display element. Ends of theplurality of adjacent extension areas are spaced apart from each otherby a first penetration area, and an end of the central corner area andan end of the first adjacent corner area are spaced apart from eachother by a second penetration area.

The display device may further include an inorganic pattern arranged onthe substrate, wherein each of the first display element, the seconddisplay element, and the third display element is provided in pluralityto constitute a first pixel array, a second pixel array, and a thirdpixel array, respectively, and the organic pattern includes a firstportion extending between the second pixel array and the third pixelarray and extending in a direction closer to the central area, a curvedportion extending from the first portion in a curve shape, and a secondportion extending from the curved portion in a direction away from thecentral area.

The display panel may further include an encapsulating layer coveringthe plurality of display elements and including at least one inorganicencapsulating layer and at least one organic encapsulating layer,wherein the at least one organic encapsulating layer includes a firstencapsulating area covering the first display element, a secondencapsulating area covering the second display element, and a thirdencapsulating area covering the third display element, and the firstencapsulating area, the second encapsulating area, and the thirdencapsulating area are spaced apart from each other based on the organicpattern.

The substrate may further include a first area extending from thecentral area in a first direction and a second area extending from thecentral area in a second direction crossing the first direction, whereinthe corner area surrounds at least a portion of the first area, thesecond area, and the central area, and at least a portion of the firstarea and the first adjacent corner area are arranged and bent in thefirst direction.

The corner area may further include a second adjacent corner areaadjacent to the central corner area, wherein an end of the centralcorner area and an end of the second adjacent corner area are spacedapart from each other by a third penetration area, and at least aportion of the second area and the second adjacent corner area may bearranged and bent in the second direction.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofmanufacturing a display device, including forming a substrate layer on asupport substrate, wherein the substrate layer has a central area, acentral corner area extending in a direction away from the central area,and a first adjacent corner area adjacent to the central corner area,forming a plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein the plurality of pixelelectrodes include a first pixel electrode arranged in the centralcorner area, and a second pixel electrode and a third pixel electrodearranged in the first adjacent corner area, forming an organic pattern,wherein the organic pattern surrounds each of the first pixel electrode,the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode, and removingat least a portion of the substrate layer between the central cornerarea and the first adjacent corner area.

The method may further include forming a plurality of display elementsby forming an emission layer and an opposite electrode on each of theplurality of pixel electrodes, wherein the plurality of display elementsinclude a first display element, a second display element, and a thirddisplay element, forming at least one inorganic encapsulating layer onthe plurality of display elements, and forming at least one organicencapsulating layer on the at least one inorganic encapsulating layer,wherein the at least one organic encapsulating layer includes a firstencapsulating area covering the first display element, a secondencapsulating area covering the second display element, and a thirdencapsulating area covering the third display element, and the firstencapsulating area, the second encapsulating area, and the thirdencapsulating area may be spaced apart from each other.

Each of the first display element, the second display element, and thethird display element may be provided in plurality to constitute a firstpixel array, a second pixel array, and a third pixel array,respectively, and the forming of the at least one organic encapsulatinglayer checking the first pixel array, the second pixel array, and thethird pixel array and discharging monomer in consideration of the firstpixel array, the second pixel array, and the third pixel array.

The method may further include forming an inorganic pattern on thesubstrate layer, and forming an organic insulating layer on theinorganic pattern, wherein the removing of at least a portion of thesubstrate layer includes forming a hole exposing at least a portion ofthe inorganic pattern when at least a portion of the substrate layer isremoved.

The method may further include detaching the substrate layer from thesupport substrate, bending the central corner area, and arranging acover window in the central area and the central corner area.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the inventive concepts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along lineA-A′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along lineB-B′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along lineC-C′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating a display panelaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically illustrating apixel circuit is that may be applied to the display panel.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the displaypanel taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged views of portion E of the display panel ofFIG. 3 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion F of the display panel of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the displaypanel taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portion H of the display panel of FIG.8A.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of portion I of the display panel of FIG.8A.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device under manufacturetaken along line J-J′ of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 11B and 11C are cross-sectional views of a display device undermanufacture taken along line K-K′ of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12B and 12C are cross-sectional views of a display device undermanufacture taken along line L-L′ of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F are cross-sectional views of a displaydevice under manufacture taken along line M-M′ of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13G is an enlarged view of portion N of the display device undermanufacture of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13H is an enlarged view of portion O of the display device undermanufacture of FIG. 13F.

FIG. 13I is a cross-sectional view of a display device under manufacturetaken along line M-M′ of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14B and 14C are cross-sectional views of a display device undermanufacture taken along line P-P′ of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 are plan views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display device according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various embodiments or implementations of theinvention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” areinterchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices ormethods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosedherein. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may bepracticed without these specific details or with one or more equivalentarrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuringvarious embodiments. Further, various embodiments may be different, butdo not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes,configurations, and characteristics of an embodiment may be used orimplemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to beunderstood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anembodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order maybe performed differently from the described order. For example, twoconsecutively described processes may be performed substantially at thesame time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis,and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangularcoordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpretedin a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and theD3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent differentdirections that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposesof this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least oneselected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as Xonly, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), andthe like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, todescribe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustratedin the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/ormanufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Forexample, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectionaland/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such,variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily beconstrued as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions,but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance,manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings maybe schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflectactual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not necessarilyintended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

A display device that is a device that displays a moving image or stillimage may be used as a display screen of portable electronic devicessuch as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC),a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an e-book, anda portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, and an ultramobile PC (UMPC) and a display screen of various products such astelevisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and Internet of things(IOT). Also, a display device according to an embodiment may be used ina wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses-typedisplay, and a head mounted display (HMD). Also, the display deviceaccording to an embodiment may be used as a center information display(CID) disposed on an instrumental panel of a vehicle, a center fascia ora dashboard of the vehicle, a room mirror display instead of a sidemirror of the vehicle, or a display placed on a rear surface of a frontseat as entertainment for a rear seat of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of thedisplay device 1 taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is across-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line B-B′ ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 takenalong line C-C′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A through 2C, the display device 1 may displayan image. The display device 1 may have an edge in a first direction andan edge in a second direction. Here, the first direction and the seconddirection may be directions crossing each other. For example, the firstdirection and the second direction may be at an acute angle to eachother. In another example, the first direction and the second directionmay form an obtuse angle with each other or may be orthogonal to eachother. Hereinafter, a case where the first direction and the seconddirection are orthogonal to each other, will be described in detail. Forexample, the first direction may be an x-direction or an −x-direction,and the second direction may be a y-direction or a −y-direction.

In an embodiment, a corner CN in which the edge in the first direction(for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction) and the edge in thesecond direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction) crosseach other, may have a certain curvature.

The display device 1 may include a cover window CW and a display panel10. The cover window CW may perform a function of protecting the displaypanel 10. In an embodiment, the cover window CW may be arranged on thedisplay panel 10. In an embodiment, the cover window CW may be aflexible window. The cover window CW may be easily bent by an externalforce without occurrence of cracks and may protect the display panel 10.The cover window CW may include a glass, sapphire, or plastic. The coverwindow CW may be, for example, an ultra-thin glass (UTG) or colorlesspolyimide (CPI). In an embodiment, the cover window CW may have astructure in which a flexible polymer layer is disposed on one surfaceof a glass substrate, or may include only a polymer layer.

The display panel 10 may be disposed under the cover window CW. Althoughnot shown, the display panel 10 may be attached to the cover window CWby using a transparent adhesive member, such as an optically clearadhesive (OCA).

The display panel 10 may display an image. The display panel 10 mayinclude a substrate 100 and a pixel PX disposed on the substrate 100. Inan embodiment, a plurality of pixels PX may be provided, and theplurality of pixels PX may emit light and display an image. In anembodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a redsubpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel. Alternatively, each ofthe plurality of pixels PX may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel,a blue subpixel, and a white subpixel.

The substrate 100 may include a central area CA, a first area A1, asecond area A2, and a corner area CNA. In an embodiment, the shape ofthe substrate 100 may define the shape of the display device 1. Thepixels PX may be arranged in at least one of the central area CA, thefirst area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. In anembodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the centralarea CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA.In this case, the display device 1 may display an image in the centralarea CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA.In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX arranged in thecentral area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the cornerarea CNA may provide an independent image. In another embodiment, eachof the plurality of pixels PX arranged in the central area CA, the firstarea A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA may provideportions of any image.

The central area CA may be a flat area. In an embodiment, the displaydevice 1 may provide most of images in the central area CA.

The first area A1 may extend and be bent from the central area CA in afirst direction (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). Thefirst area A1 may be defined as an area that is bent from the centralarea CA in a cross-section (for example, an xz-cross section) in thefirst direction (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). Thefirst area A1 may extend in the second direction (for example, ay-direction or a −y-direction). In other words, the first area A1 maynot be bent in a cross-section (for example, an yz-cross section) in thesecond direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). Thefirst direction A1 may be connected to the central area CA in the firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). In FIG. 2A,the first area A1 that extends and is bent from the central area CA inthe x-direction, and the first area A1 that extends and is bent from thecentral area CA in the −x-direction have the same curvature. However, inanother embodiment, the first area A1 that extends and is bent from thecentral area CA in the x-direction, and the first area A1 that extendsand is bent from the central area CA in the −x-direction may havedifferent curvatures.

The second area A2 may extend and be bent from the central area CA inthe second direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). Thesecond area A2 may be defined as an area that is bent from the centralarea CA in a cross-section (for example, an yz-cross section) in thesecond direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). Thesecond area A2 may extend in the first direction (for example, anx-direction or an −x-direction). The second area A2 may not be bent in across-section (for example, an xz-cross section) that is orthogonal tothe first direction (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). InFIG. 2B, the second area A2 that extends and is bent from the centralarea CA in the y-direction, and the second area A2 that extends and isbent from the central area CA in the −y-direction, have the samecurvature. However, in another embodiment, the second area A2 thatextends and is bent from the central area CA in the y-direction, and thesecond area A2 that extends and is bent from the central area CA in the−y-direction may have different curvatures.

The corner area CNA may be an area in the corner CN of the displaydevice 1. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may be an area in whichthe edge in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction) of the display device 1 or an edge in the second direction(for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction) cross each other. In anembodiment, the corner area CNA may surround at least a portion of thecentral area CA, the first area A1, and the second area A2. When thefirst area A1 extends and is bent in the first direction (for example,an x-direction or an −x-direction) and the second area A2 extends and isbent in the second direction (for example, a y-direction or a−y-direction), at least a portion of the corner area CNA may extend andbe bent in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction) and may extend and be bent in the second direction (forexample, a y-direction or a −y-direction). The corner area CNA mayinclude a central corner area CCA, a first adjacent corner area ACA1, asecond adjacent corner area ACA2, and a middle corner area MCA.

The central corner area CCA may extend and be bent in the firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction) and mayextend and be bent in the second direction (for example, a y-directionor a −y-direction). The central corner area CCA may be bent in across-section (for example, an xz-cross section) in the first direction(for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). The central cornerarea CCA may be bent in a cross-section (for example, an yz-crosssection) in the second direction (for example, a y-direction or a−y-direction). The central corner area CCA may be a double curve area inwhich curvatures in a plurality of directions overlap.

The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. In an embodiment, the first adjacent corner area ACA1may be arranged between the central corner area CCA and the first areaA1. In other words, at least a portion of the first area A1 may bearranged between the central area CA and the first adjacent corner areaACA1 in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction). The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may extend and bebent in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction). The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be defined as acorner area CNA that is bent in a cross-section (for example, anxz-cross section) in the first direction (for example, an x-direction oran −x-direction). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first areaA1 and the first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be arranged and bent inthe first direction (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). Inan embodiment, the first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be a corner areaCNA that is not substantially bent in a cross-section (for example, ayz-cross section) in the second direction (for example, a y-direction ora −y-direction).

The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. In an embodiment, the central corner area CCA may bearranged between the first adjacent corner area ACA1 and the secondadjacent corner area ACA2. In an embodiment, the second adjacent cornerarea ACA2 may be arranged between the central corner area CCA and thesecond area A2. In other words, at least a portion of the second area A2may be arranged between the central area CA and the second adjacentcorner area ACA2 in the second direction (for example, a y-direction ora −y-direction). The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may extend and bebent in the second direction (for example, a y-direction or a−y-direction). The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be defined as acorner area CNA that is bent in a cross-section (for example, anyz-cross section) in the second direction (for example, a y-direction ora −y-direction). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second areaA2 and the second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be arranged and bent inthe second direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). Inan embodiment, the second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be a corner areaCNA that is not substantially bent in a cross-section (for example, anyz-cross section) in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or−x-direction).

The middle corner area MCA may be arranged between the central area CAand the central corner area CCA. In an embodiment, the middle cornerarea MCA may extend between the first area A1 and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the middle corner area MCA mayextend between the second area A2 and the second adjacent corner areaACA2. A driving circuit for providing an electrical signal to the pixelsPX and/or a power line for providing power may be arranged in the middlecorner area MCA. In this case, the pixels PX arranged in the middlecorner area MCA may overlap the driving circuit and/or the power line.In some embodiments, the middle corner area MCA may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the first area A1, the middle corner area MCA, andthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 may have a first curvature radius R1and may be bent. Referring to FIG. 2B, the second area A2, the middlecorner area MCA, and the second adjacent corner area ACA2 may have asecond curvature radius R2 and may be bent. The first curvature radiusR1 and the second curvature radius R2 may be the same or different fromeach other. Referring to FIG. 2C, the middle corner area MCA and thecentral corner area CCA may have a third curvature radius R3 and may bebent.

The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the central area CA, thefirst area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA so that thedisplay device 1 may display an image. Thus, the proportion of a displayarea of the display device 1 in which an image is displayed, mayincrease. Also, because the display device 1 may be bent in the cornerCN and may display an image, the sense of aesthetics may be enhanced.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating a display panel 10according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematicallyillustrating a state in which the display panel 10 is in an unbendingstate.

Referring to FIG. 3, the display panel 10 may display an image. Thedisplay panel 10 may include a substrate 100 and a pixel PX arranged onthe substrate 100. In an embodiment, a plurality of pixels PX may beprovided.

The pixels PX may include a display element. In an embodiment, thedisplay element may be an organic light emitting diode including anorganic emission layer. Alternatively, the display element may be alight emitting diode (LED). The size of the light emitting diode (LED)may be a micro-scale or nano-scale. For example, the light emittingdiode (LED) may be a micro LED. Alternatively, the lighting emittingdiode (LED) may be a nanorod LED. The nanorod LED may include galliumnitride (GaN). In an embodiment, a color conversion layer may bearranged on the nanorod LED. The color conversion layer may include aquantum dot. Alternatively, the display element may be a quantum dotlight emitting diode including a quantum dot emission layer.Alternatively, the display element may be an inorganic light emittingdiode including an inorganic semiconductor.

The pixels PX may include a plurality of subpixels, and each of theplurality of subpixels may emit light of certain color by using thedisplay element. In the present specification, the subpixel may refer toan emission area in a minimum unit for implementing an image. When thedisplay element is used as the organic light emitting diode, theemission area may be defined by an opening of a pixel defining layer.This will be described later.

The substrate 100 may include a central area CA, a first area A1, asecond area A, a corner area CNA, and a peripheral area PA. In anembodiment, the shape of the substrate 100 may define the shape of thedisplay device 1. The pixels PX may be arranged in at least one of thecentral area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the cornerarea CNA.

The central area CA may be a flat area. In an embodiment, the displaypanel 10 may provide most of images in the central area CA.

The first area A1 may extend from the central area CA in the firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). The firstarea A1 may be connected to the central area CA in the first direction(for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction).

The second area A2 may extend from the central area CA in the seconddirection (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). The secondarea A2 may be connected to the central area CA in the second direction(for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction).

The corner area CNA may be an area in the corner CN of the display panel10. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may be an area in which theedge in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction) of the display panel 10 and the edge in the seconddirection (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction) cross eachother. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may surround at least aportion of the central area CA, the first area A1, and the second areaA2. The corner area CNA may include the central corner area CCA, thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1, the second adjacent corner area ACA2,and the middle corner area MCA.

The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. In an embodiment, the first adjacent corner area ACA1may be arranged between the central corner area CCA and the first areaA1. In other words, at least a portion of the first area A1 may bearranged between the central area CA and the first adjacent corner areaACA1 in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first area A1and the first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be arranged in the firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction).

The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. In an embodiment, the central corner area CCA may bearranged between the first adjacent corner area ACA1 and the secondadjacent corner area ACA2. In an embodiment, the second adjacent cornerarea ACA2 may be arranged between the central corner area CCA and thesecond area A2. In other words, at least a portion of the second area A2may be arranged between the central area CA and the second adjacentcorner area ACA2 in the second direction (for example, a y-direction ora −y-direction). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second areaA2 and the second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be arranged in thesecond direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction).

The middle corner area MCA may be arranged between the central area CAand the central corner area CCA. In an embodiment, the middle cornerarea MCA may extend between the first area A1 and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the middle corner area MCA mayextend between the second area A2 and the second adjacent corner areaACA2. A driving circuit DC for providing an electrical signal to thepixels PX and/or a power line for providing power may be arranged in themiddle corner area MCA. In this case, the pixels PX arranged in themiddle corner area MCA may overlap the driving circuit DC and/or thepower line. In some embodiments, the middle corner area MCA may beomitted.

The peripheral area PA may be an area in which an image is not provided.The peripheral area PA may extend from the first area A1 and/or thesecond area A2 outwards. The driving circuit DC for providing anelectrical signal to the pixels PX or the power line for providing powermay be arranged in the peripheral area PA. The driving circuit DC may bearranged along the middle corner area MCA and/or the peripheral area PA.

The driving circuit DC may be a scan driving circuit for providing ascan signal to each of the pixels PX through a scan line SL.Alternatively, the driving circuit DC may be a data driving circuit forproviding a data signal to each pixel PX through a data line DL. In anembodiment, the data driving circuit may be disposed adjacent to oneside of the display panel. For example, the data driving circuit may bearranged in the peripheral area PA adjacent to the second area A2.

At least one of the first area A1, the second area A2, and the cornerarea CNA may be bent. The first area A1 and the first adjacent cornerarea ACA1 may be bent in a cross-section (for example, an xz-crosssection) in the first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction). The second area A2 and the second adjacent corner areaACA2 may be bent in a cross-section (for example, an yz-cross section)in the second direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction).The central corner area CCA may be bent in a cross-section (for example,an xz-cross section) in the first direction (for example, an x-directionor an −x-direction) and may be bent in a cross-section (for example, ayz-cross section) in the second direction (for example, a y-direction ora −y-direction).

When the central corner area CCA is bent, a compressive strain greaterthan a tensile strain may occur in the central corner area CCA. In thiscase, a contractible substrate 100 and a multilayer film structure onthe substrate 100 need to be applied to the central corner area CCA. Inan embodiment, the structure of the display panel 10 in the centralcorner area CCA may be different from that of the display panel 10 inthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 and/or the second adjacent cornerarea ACA2.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically illustrating apixel circuit PC that may be applied to a display panel.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pixel circuit PC may be electrically connectedto the display element, for example, an organic light emitting diodeOLED.

The pixel circuit PC may include a driving thin-film transistor T1, aswitching thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. In anembodiment, the organic light emitting diode OLED may emit red, green,or blue light, or may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

The switching thin-film transistor T2 may be connected to the scan lineSL and the data line DL and may transmit a data signal or data voltageinput from the data line DL to a driving thin-film transistor T1 basedon a scan signal or switching voltage input from the scan line SL. Thestorage capacitor Cst may be connected to a switching thin-filmtransistor T2 and a driving voltage line PL and may store a voltagecorresponding to a difference between a voltage transmitted from theswitching thin-film transistor T2 and a first power supply voltage ELVDDsupplied to the driving voltage line PL.

The driving thin-film transistor T1 may be connected to the drivingvoltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst and may control a drivingcurrent that flows through the organic light emitting diode OLED fromthe driving voltage line PL in correspondence to a value of a voltagestored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light emitting diodeOLED may emit light having a certain luminance by the driving current.An opposite electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED mayreceive a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-filmtransistors and one storage capacitor. However, the pixel circuit PC mayinclude more thin-film transistors.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the displaypanel 10 taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 5, the display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, apixel circuit layer PCL, a display element layer DEL, and anencapsulating layer ENL.

In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may include a first base layer 100a, a first barrier layer 100 b, a second base layer 100 c, and a secondbarrier layer 100 d. In an embodiment, the first base layer 100 a, thefirst barrier layer 100 b, the second base layer 100 c, and the secondbarrier layer 100 d may be sequentially stacked and provided in thesubstrate 100. In another embodiment, the substrate 100 may include aglass.

At least one of the first base layer 100 a and the second base layer 100c may include polymer resin, such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate,polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate,or cellulose acetate propionate.

The first barrier layer 100 b and the second barrier layer 100 d thatare barrier layers for preventing penetration of external foreignsubstances may include a single layer or multiple layers including aninorganic material, such as silicon nitride (SiN_(x)), silicon oxide(SiO₂), and/or silicon oxynitride (SiON).

The pixel circuit layer PCL may be arranged on the substrate 100. Thepixel circuit layer PCL may include a driving circuit DC and a pixelcircuit PC. In an embodiment, the driving circuit DC may be arranged inthe middle corner area MCA. In another embodiment, the driving circuitDC may not be arranged in the middle corner area MCA. In this case, thedriving circuit DC may be arranged in the peripheral area. Hereinafter,a case where the driving circuit DC is arranged in the middle cornerarea MCA will be described in detail.

The pixel circuit PC may be arranged in the central area CA. In anembodiment, the pixel circuit PC may be spaced apart from the middlecorner area MCA. In other words, the pixel circuit PC may not overlapthe middle corner area MCA. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit PCmay overlap the middle corner area MCA.

The driving circuit DC may include a driving circuit thin-filmtransistor DC-TFT. In an embodiment, the driving circuit DC may beconnected to the scan line. The pixel circuit PC may include at leastone thin-film transistor. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC mayinclude a driving thin-film transistor T1, a switching thin-filmtransistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

The pixel circuit layer PCL may include an inorganic insulating layerIIL, a lower organic insulating layer 115, and an organic insulatinglayer 116, which are arranged under or/and on elements of the drivingthin-film transistor T1. The inorganic insulating layer IIL may includea buffer layer 111, a first gate insulating layer 112, a second gateinsulating layer 113, and an interlayer insulating layer 114. Thedriving thin-film transistor T1 may include a first semiconductor layerAct1, a first gate electrode GE1, a first source electrode SE1, and afirst drain electrode DE1.

The buffer layer 111 may be arranged on the buffer layer 100. The bufferlayer 111 may include an inorganic insulating material such as siliconnitride (SiN_(X)), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and silicon oxide (SiO₂),and may be a single layer or multiple layers including the inorganicinsulating material described above.

The first semiconductor layer Act1 may be arranged on the buffer layer111. The first semiconductor layer Act1 may include polysilicon.Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer Act1 may include amorphoussilicon, an oxide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. The firstsemiconductor layer Act1 may include a channel area, and a drain areaand a source area, which are respectively arranged at both sides of thechannel area.

The first gate electrode GE1 may overlap the channel area. The firstgate electrode GE1 may include a low-resistance metal material. Thefirst gate electrode GE1 may include a conductive material includingmolybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti), and maybe formed as a single layer or multiple layers including theabove-described material.

A first gate insulating layer 112 between the first semiconductor layerAct1 and the first gate electrode GE1 may include an inorganicinsulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride(SiN_(X)), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titaniumoxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), and/or zincoxide (ZnO).

The second gate insulating layer 113 may cover the first gate electrodeGE1. The second gate insulating layer 113 may include, similar to thefirst gate insulating layer 112, an inorganic insulating material, suchas silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN_(X)), silicon oxynitride(SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide(Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO).

An upper electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be arranged onthe second gate insulating layer 113. The upper electrode CE2 mayoverlap the first gate electrode GE1 thereunder. In this case, the firstgate electrode GE1 and the upper electrode CE2 of the driving thin-filmtransistor T1 that overlap each other with the second gate insulatinglayer 113 interposed therebetween may provide the storage capacitor Cst.That is, the first gate electrode GE1 of the driving thin-filmtransistor T1 may function as a lower electrode CE1 of the storagecapacitor Cst.

In this way, the storage capacitor Cst and the driving thin-filmtransistor T1 may overlap each other. In some embodiments, the storagecapacitor Cst may not overlap the driving thin-film transistor T1.

The upper electrode CE2 may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt),palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni),neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum(Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu) and may be asingle layer or multiple layers including the above-described material.

The interlayer insulating layer 114 may cover the upper electrode CE2.The interlayer insulating layer 114 may include silicon oxide (SiO₂),silicon nitride (SiN_(X)), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide(Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide(HfO₂), or zinc oxide (ZnO). The interlayer insulating layer 114 mayinclude a single layer or multiple layers including the above-describedinorganic insulating material.

Each of a first drain electrode DE1 and a first source electrode SE1 maybe arranged on the interlayer insulating layer 114. The first drainelectrode DE1 and the first source electrode SE1 may include a materialhaving good conductivity. The first drain electrode DE1 and the firstsource electrode SE1 may include a conductive material includingmolybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti) and maybe formed as multiple layers or a single layer including theabove-described material. In an embodiment, the first drain electrodeDE1 and the first source electrode SE1 may have a multi-layer structureof Ti/Al/Ti.

The switching thin-film transistor T2 may include a second semiconductorlayer Act2, a second gate electrode GE2, a second drain electrode DE2,and a second source electrode SE2. Because each of the secondsemiconductor layer Act2, the second gate electrode GE2, the seconddrain electrode DE2 and the second source electrode SE2 is similar toeach of the first semiconductor layer Act1, the first gate electrodeGE1, the first drain electrode DE1 and the first source electrode SE1, adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

The driving circuit thin-film transistor DC-TFT may include, similar tothe switching thin-film transistor T2, a driving circuit semiconductorlayer, a driving circuit gate electrode, a driving circuit sourceelectrode, and a driving circuit drain electrode.

The lower organic insulating layer 115 may be arranged on at least onethin-film transistor. In an embodiment, the lower organic insulatinglayer 115 may cover the first drain electrode DE1 and the first sourceelectrode SE1. The lower organic insulating layer 115 may include anorganic material. For example, the lower organic insulating layer 115may include an organic insulating material such as general-purposepolymer, for example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS),a polymer derivative having a phenol-based group, acryl-based polymer,imide-based polymer, aryl ether-based polymer, amide-based polymer,fluorine-based polymer, p-xylene-based polymer, vinyl alcohol-basedpolymer, and a blend thereof.

A connection electrode CML and a first connection line CL1 may bearranged on the lower organic insulating layer 115. In this case, eachof the connection electrode CML and the first connection line CL1 may beconnected to each of the first drain electrode DE1 or the first sourceelectrode SE1 through a contact hole of the lower organic insulatinglayer 115. The connection electrode CML and the first connection lineCL1 may include a material having good conductivity. The connectionelectrode CML and the first connection line CL1 may include a conductivematerial, including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), andtitanium (Ti), and may be formed as multiple layers or a single layerincluding the above-described material. In an embodiment, the connectionelectrode CML and the first connection line CL1 may have a multi-layerstructure of Ti/Al/Ti.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first connection line CL1 may extend from thecentral area CA to the middle corner area MCA. In another embodiment,the first connection line CL1 may extend from the peripheral area (seePA of FIG. 3) or the corner area (see CNA of FIG. 3). In anotherembodiment, the first connection line CL1 may extend from the first area(see A1 of FIG. 3) and/or the second area (see A2 of FIG. 3) to themiddle corner area MCA. The first connection line CL1 may overlap thedriving circuit thin-film transistor DC-TFT.

The organic insulating layer 116 may cover the connection electrode CMLand the first connection line CL1. The organic insulating layer 116 mayinclude an organic material. The organic insulating layer 116 mayinclude an organic insulating material, such as general-purpose polymer,for example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), apolymer derivative having a phenol-based group, acryl-based polymer,imide-based polymer, aryl ether-based polymer, amide-based polymer,fluorine-based polymer, p-xylene-based polymer, vinyl alcohol-basedpolymer, and a blend thereof.

The display element layer DEL may be arranged on the pixel circuit layerPCL. The display element layer DEL may include an organic light-emittingdiode OLED as a display element. The display element layer DEL mayinclude a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes OLED. In anembodiment, any one of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodesOLED may be arranged in the central area CA. The other one of theplurality of organic light-emitting diodes OLED may be arranged in themiddle corner area MCA. The organic light-emitting diodes OLED arrangedin the middle corner area MCA may overlap the driving circuit DC. Thus,in the present embodiment, the display panel 10 may display an imageeven in the middle corner area MCA in which the driving circuit DC isarranged.

The organic light-emitting diodes OLED arranged in the central area CAmay be electrically connected to the connection electrode CML through acontact hole of the organic insulating layer 116. The organiclight-emitting diodes OLED arranged in the middle corner area MCA may beelectrically connected to the first connection line CL1 through thecontact hole of the organic insulating layer 116. The organiclight-emitting diodes OLED may include a pixel electrode 211, anintermediate layer 212, and an opposite electrode 213.

The pixel electrode 211 may be electrically connected to the connectionelectrode CML or the first connection line CL1 through the contact holeof the organic insulating layer 116. The pixel electrode 211 may includeconductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide(IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the pixelelectrode 211 may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag),magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au),nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr) or a compoundthereof. In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 211 may furtherinclude a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO or In₂O₃ on/under theabove-described reflective layer.

A pixel-defining layer 118 having an opening 118OP exposing the centerof the pixel electrode 211 may be arranged on the pixel electrode 211.The pixel-defining layer 118 may include an organic insulating materialand/or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 118OP may define anemission area (hereinafter, referred to as an emission area EMA) oflight emitted from the organic light-emitting diode OLED. For example,the width of the opening 118OP may correspond to the width of theemission area EMA. Also, the width of the opening 118OP may correspondto the width of a subpixel.

A spacer 119 may be arranged on the pixel-defining layer 118. The spacer119 may prevent damage of the substrate 100 and/or multiple layers onthe substrate 100 in a method of manufacturing a display panel and/or adisplay device. In the method of manufacturing the display panel and/orthe display device, a mask sheet may be used. In this case, the masksheet may enter the opening 118OP of the pixel-defining layer 118 or maybe in close contact with the pixel-defining layer 118. The spacer 119may prevent defects in which the substrate 100 or a portion of themultiple layers is damaged or destroyed by the mask sheet when adeposition material is deposited on the substrate 100.

The spacer 119 may include an organic material, such as polyimide.Alternatively, the spacer 119 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial such as silicon nitride (SiN_(x)) or silicon oxide (SiO₂) or anorganic insulating material and an inorganic insulating material.

In an embodiment, the spacer 119 may include material that is differentfrom the pixel-defining layer 118. Alternatively, in another embodiment,the spacer 119 may include the same material as that of thepixel-defining layer 118. In this case, the pixel-defining layer 118 andthe spacer 119 may be formed in a mask process using a halftone mask,etc.

The intermediate layer 212 may be arranged on the pixel-defining layer118. The intermediate layer 212 may include an emission layer 212 barranged in the opening 118OP of the pixel-defining layer 118. Theemission layer 212 b may include a polymer or low-molecular weightorganic material that emits a certain color light.

A first functional layer 212 a and a second functional layer 212 c maybe arranged under and on the emission layer 212 b. The first functionallayer 212 a may include a hole transport layer (HTL), for example, or anHTL and a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer 212 cthat is an element disposed on the emission layer 212 b may be optional.The second functional layer 212 c may include an electron transportlayer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). The firstfunctional layer 212 a and/or the second functional layer 212 c may be acommon layer formed to entirely cover the substrate 100, such as in theopposite electrode 213 to be described later.

The opposite electrode 213 may be arranged on the intermediate layer212. The opposite electrode 213 may include a conductive material havinga low work function. For example, the opposite electrode 213 may includea (semi-)transparent layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir,Cr, lithium (Li), Ca, or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the oppositeelectrode 213 may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO or In₂O₃on the (semi-) transparent layer including the above-described material.

In some embodiments, a capping layer (not shown) may be further disposedon the opposite electrode 213. The capping layer may include LiF, aninorganic material, or/and an organic material.

The encapsulating layer ENL may be arranged on the opposite electrode213. In an embodiment, the encapsulating layer ENL may include at leastone inorganic encapsulating layer and at least one organic encapsulatinglayer. In an embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates that the encapsulating layerENL includes a first inorganic encapsulating layer 310, an organicencapsulating layer 320 and a second inorganic encapsulating layer 330that are sequentially stacked.

The first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 and the second inorganicencapsulating layer 330 may include at least one inorganic materialamong aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide(Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), silicon oxide (SiO₂),silicon nitride (SiN_(X)), and silicon oxynitride (SiON). The organicencapsulating layer 320 may include a polymer-based material. Thepolymer-based material may include acryl-based resin, epoxy-based resin,polyimide, and polyethylene. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulatinglayer 320 may include acrylate.

Although not shown, a touch electrode layer may be arranged on theencapsulating layer ENL, and an optical functional layer may be arrangedon the touch electrode layer. The touch electrode layer may obtaincoordinate information according to an external input, for example, atouch event. The optical functional layer may reduce reflectance oflight (external light) incident from the outside toward the displaydevice, and/or may increase color purity of light emitted from thedisplay device. In an embodiment, the optical functional layer mayinclude a retarder and/or a polarizer. The retarder may be a film typeor liquid crystal coating type and may include a λ/2 retarder and/or aλ/4 retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or liquid crystalcoating type. The film type may include an elongated synthetic resinfilm, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystalsarranged in a certain arrangement. The retarder and the polarizer mayfurther include a protective film.

In another embodiment, the optical functional layer may include a blackmatrix and color filters. The color filters may be arranged inconsideration of the color of light emitted from each of pixels of thedisplay device. Each of the color filters may include a red, green, orblue pigment or dye. Alternatively, each of the color filters mayfurther include a quantum dot in addition to the above-described pigmentor dye. Alternatively, a portion of the color filters may not includethe above-described pigment or dye and may include scattering particles,such as titanium oxide.

In another embodiment, the optical functional layer may include adestructive interference structure. The destructive interferencestructure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflectivelayer, which are arranged on different layers. First reflected light andsecond reflected light respectively reflected from the first reflectivelayer and the second reflective layer may destructively interfere andthus, the reflectance of external light may be reduced.

An adhesive member may be arranged between the touch electrode layer andthe optical functional layer. As the adhesive member, a general oneknown in the art may be employed without limitation. The adhesive membermay be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged views of portion E of the display panel 10of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is an enlarged viewof portion F of the display panel 10 of FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, the display panel 10 may include asubstrate 100, a pixel PX, an organic layer OL, an upper inorganic layer(UIL), and a lower inorganic layer (LIL). The substrate 100 may includea central area CA, a first area A1, a second area A2, and a corner areaCNA.

The first area A1 may extend from the central area CA in a firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or −x-direction). The second areaA2 may extend from the central area CA in a second direction (forexample, a y-direction or −y-direction).

The corner area CNA may be an area in the corner CN of the display panel10. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may be an area in which anedge in a first direction (for example, an x-direction or an−x-direction) of the display panel 10 and an edge in the seconddirection (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction) cross eachother. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may surround at least aportion of the central area CA, the first area A1, and the second areaA2. The CNA may include a central corner area CCA, a first adjacentcorner area ACA1, a second adjacent corner area ACA2, and a middlecorner area MCA.

The central corner area CCA may extend in a direction away from thecentral area CA. The central corner area CCA may include a plurality ofextension areas EA. The plurality of extension areas EA may extend in adirection away from the central area CA. In an embodiment, the pluralityof extension areas EA may extend in a direction crossing a firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction) and/or asecond direction (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction).

Ends of the plurality of adjacent extension areas EA may be spaced apartfrom each other by a first penetration area PA1. The first penetrationarea PA1 may be an empty area of the display panel 10. Elements of thedisplay panel 10 may not be arranged in the first penetration area PA1.In other words, edges of the plurality of adjacent extension areas EAmay be defined by the first penetration area PA1. When the centralcorner area CCA is bent in the corner CN, a compressive strain greaterthan a tensile strain may occur in the central corner area CCA. Becauseends of the plurality of adjacent extension areas EA are spaced apartfrom each other by the first penetration area PA1, the plurality ofextension areas EA may be contracted. Thus, the display panel 10 may bebent without being damaged in the central corner area CCA.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, the central corner area CCAmay include auxiliary extension area AEA that extend from end of theextension area EA. In an embodiment, the width of the auxiliaryextension area AEA may be smaller than the extension area EA. The widthof the auxiliary extension area AEA may be a distance between edges ofthe auxiliary extension area AEA in a direction perpendicular to theextension direction of the auxiliary extension area AEA. The width ofthe extension area EA may be a distance between edges of the extensionarea EA in a direction perpendicular to the extension area EA.

The first adjacent corner area ACA1 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. An end of the central corner area CCA and an end of thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1 that are adjacent to each other may bespaced apart from each other by the second penetration area PA2. Thesecond penetration area PA2 may be an empty area of the display panel10. Elements of the display panel 10 may not be arranged in the secondpenetration area PA2. In other words, an edge of the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 and an edge of the extension area EA of the centralcorner area CCA that face each other may be defined by the secondpenetration area PA2.

At least a portion of the first area A1 may be arranged between thecentral area CA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1 in the firstdirection (for example, an x-direction or an −x-direction). In anembodiment, at least a portion of the first area A1 and the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 may be arranged in the first direction (forexample, an x-direction or an −x-direction). The first adjacent cornerarea ACA1 may extend and be bent in the first direction (for example, anx-direction or an −x-direction). The first adjacent corner area ACA1 mayextend and not be bent in the second direction (for example, ay-direction or a −y-direction). Thus, a penetration area of thesubstrate 100 need not be defined in the first adjacent corner areaACA1, like the central corner area CCA.

The second adjacent corner area ACA2 may be adjacent to the centralcorner area CCA. The central corner area CCA may be arranged between thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1 and the second adjacent corner areaACA2. An end of the central corner area CCA and an end of the secondadjacent corner area ACA2 that are adjacent to each other may be spacedapart from each other by a third penetration area PA3. The thirdpenetration area PA3 may be an empty area of the display panel 10.Elements of the display panel 10 may not be arranged in the thirdpenetration area PA3. In other words, an edge of the second adjacentcorner area ACA2 and an edge of the extension area EA of the centralcorner area CCA that face each other may be defined by the thirdpenetration area PA3.

At least a portion of the second area A2 may be arranged between thecentral area CA and the second adjacent corner area ACA2 in the seconddirection (for example, a y-direction or a −y-direction). In anembodiment, at least a portion of the second area A2 and the secondadjacent corner area ACA2 may be arranged in the second direction (forexample, a y-direction or a −y-direction). The second adjacent cornerarea ACA2 may extend and be bent in the second direction (for example, ay-direction or a −y-direction). The second adjacent corner area ACA2 mayextend and not be bent in the first direction (for example, anx-direction or an −x-direction). Thus, a penetration area of thesubstrate 100 need not be defined in the second adjacent corner areaACA2, like the central corner area CCA. Because the second adjacentcorner area ACA2 is similar to the first adjacent corner area ACA1, thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1 will be described in detail.

The middle corner area MCA may be arranged between the central area CAand the central corner area CCA. In an embodiment, the middle cornerarea MCA may extend between the first area A1 and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the middle corner area MCA mayextend between the second area A2 and the second adjacent corner areaACA2. A driving circuit DC for providing an electrical signal to thepixels PX and/or a power line for providing power may be arranged in themiddle corner area MCA. In this case, the pixels PX arranged in themiddle corner area MCA may overlap the driving circuit DC and/or thepower line. In some embodiments, the middle corner area MCA may beomitted.

The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the central area CA, thefirst area A1, the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. The displaypanel 10 may display an image in the central area CA, the first area A1,the second area A2, and the corner area CNA. The plurality of pixels PXmay include a plurality of display elements.

The plurality of pixels PX may include a first pixel PX1, a second pixelPX2, and a third pixel PX3. The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2,and the third pixel PX3 may be arranged in the corner area CNA.

The first pixel PX1 may be arranged in a plurality of extension areasEA. A plurality of first pixels PX1 may be provided, and the pluralityof first pixels PX1 may be arranged in the plurality of extension areasEA. The plurality of first pixels PX1 may be arranged in a directionaway from the central area CA.

The plurality of first pixels PX1 may constitute a first pixel arrayPXA1. The first pixel array PXA1 may be arranged in any one of theplurality of extension areas EA. The first pixel array PXA1 may be a setof the plurality of first pixels PX1 arranged along one line or a set ofthe plurality of first pixels PX1 arranged along a plurality of lines.

In other words, the first pixel PX1 may include a first display element.In an embodiment, a plurality of first display elements may be provided,and the plurality of first display elements may constitute the firstpixel array PXA1.

The second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3 may be arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1. Each of the second pixel PX2 and thethird pixel PX3 may be provided in plurality, and a plurality of secondpixels PX2 and a plurality of third pixels PX3 may be arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1. Each of the plurality of second pixelsPX2 and the plurality of third pixels PX3 may be arranged in a directionaway from the central area CA and/or the first area A1. Each of theplurality of second pixels PX2 and the plurality of third pixels PX3 mayconstitute a second pixel array PXA2 and a third pixel array PXA3. Thesecond pixel array PXA2 and the third pixel array PXA3 may be arrangedin the first adjacent corner area ACA1. The second pixel array PXA2 andthe third pixel array PXA3 may be arranged in a direction away from thecentral area CA and/or the first area A1. The second pixel array PXA2and the third pixel array PXA3 may be arranged similar to the firstpixel array PXA1. The second pixel array PXA2 may be a set of aplurality of second pixels PX2 arranged along one line or a set of aplurality of second pixels PX2 arranged along a plurality of lines. Thethird pixel array PXA3 may be a set of a plurality of third pixels PX3arranged along one line or a set of a plurality of third pixels PX3arranged along a plurality of lines.

In other words, the second pixel PX2 may include a second displayelement. In an embodiment, a plurality of second display elements may beprovided. The plurality of second display elements may constitute asecond pixel array PXA2. The third pixel PX3 may include a third displayelement. A plurality of third display elements may be provided. Theplurality of third display elements may constitute a third pixel arrayPXA3.

In an embodiment, the pixel PX may include a red subpixel Pr, a greensubpixel Pg, and a blue subpixel Pb. The red subpixel Pr, the greensubpixel Pg, and the blue subpixel Pb may emit red light, green light,and blue light, respectively.

The red subpixel Pr, the green subpixel Pg, and the blue subpixel Pb maybe arranged in an S-stripe structure. The red subpixel Pr and the bluesubpixel Pb may be arranged in a first column 1 l, and the greensubpixel Pg may be arranged in a second column 2 l adjacent to the firstcolumn 1 l. In an embodiment, a side of the green subpixel Pg may faceeach of a side of the red subpixel Pr and a side of the blue subpixelPb.

Alternatively, unlike the drawings, the red subpixel Pr, the greensubpixel Pg, and the blue subpixel Pb may be arranged side by side or ina pentile type.

An organic layer OL may include an organic pattern OPT, an organicpattern line OPL, an auxiliary organic pattern AOPT, an auxiliaryorganic pattern line AOPL, and a middle organic pattern MOPT. Theorganic pattern OPT may be arranged on the substrate 100. The organicpattern OPT may be arranged in the corner area CNA. The organic patternOPT may surround each of the first pixel array PXA1, the second pixelarray PXA2, and the third pixel array PXA3. In other words, the organicpattern OPT may surround each of a plurality of first pixels PX1including a first display element, a plurality of second pixels PX2including a second display element, and a plurality of third pixels PX3including third display elements. Thus, the first pixel array PXA1, thesecond pixel array PXA2, and the third pixel array PXA3 may be separatedfrom each other by the organic pattern OPT and defined by the organicpattern OPT. The organic pattern OPT may maintain so that, when thecorner area CNA is formed, the first penetration area PA1, the secondpenetration area PA2 and the third penetration area PA3 are empty areas.

In an embodiment, a portion of the organic pattern OPT may extendbetween the central corner area CCA and the middle corner area MCA. Aportion of the organic pattern OPT may surround at least one of thecentral area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the middlecorner area MCA.

The organic pattern line OPL may extend between the central corner areaCCA and the middle corner area MCA. The organic pattern line OPL maysurround at least one of the central area CA, the first area A1, thesecond area A2, and the middle corner area MCA. The organic pattern lineOPL and the organic pattern OPT may be spaced apart from each other. Inan embodiment, the organic pattern line OPL and the organic pattern OPTmay include the same organic material.

In an embodiment, the organic pattern OPT and the organic pattern lineOPL may block the flow of organic encapsulating layers arranged on thedisplay element. For example, the organic encapsulating layer may bearranged in each of areas surrounded and separated by the organicpattern OPT. Also, the organic encapsulating layers may be entirelyarranged in the central area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2,and the middle corner area MCA.

The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may be spaced apart from the organicpattern OPT. In an embodiment, the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT mayinclude a first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1, a second auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT2, and a third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3.

The first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1, the second auxiliary organicpattern AOPT2, and the third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3 maysurround the first pixel array PXA1, the second pixel array PXA2, andthe third pixel array PXA3, respectively. The first auxiliary organicpattern AOPT1 may be arranged between the first pixel array PXA1 and theorganic pattern OPT. The second auxiliary organic pattern AOPT2 may bearranged between the second pixel array PXA2 and the organic patternOPT. The third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3 may be arranged betweenthe third pixel array PXA3 and the organic pattern OPT.

An auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may extend between the centralcorner area CCA and the middle central area MCA. The organic patternline OPL may surround the auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL. Theauxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may extend similar to the organicpattern line OPL. The auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may be spacedapart from the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT. In an embodiment, theauxiliary organic pattern line AOPL and the auxiliary organic patternAOPT may include the same organic material.

The middle organic pattern MOPT may be arranged in the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. The middle organic pattern MOPT may be arrangedbetween the organic patterns OPT facing each other. In an embodiment,the middle organic pattern MOPT and the organic pattern OPT may beintegrally provided.

The upper inorganic layer UIL may overlap the corner area CNA. The upperinorganic layer UIL may not overlap the central area CA. The upperinorganic layer UIL may include an overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX.Although not shown, the upper inorganic layer UIL may include an upperinorganic pattern that overlaps the organic pattern OPT, an auxiliaryinorganic pattern that overlaps the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT, afirst upper inorganic pattern line that overlaps the organic patternline OPL, a second upper inorganic pattern line that overlaps theauxiliary organic pattern line AOPL, and a middle upper inorganicpattern that overlaps the middle organic pattern MOPT. The upperinorganic pattern may extend similarly to the organic pattern OPT. Theauxiliary upper inorganic pattern may extend similarly to the auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT. The first upper inorganic pattern line may extendsimilarly to the organic pattern line OPL. The second upper inorganicpattern line may extend similarly to the auxiliary organic pattern lineAOPL. The middle upper inorganic pattern may extend similarly to themiddle organic pattern MOPT. The upper inorganic layer UIL may includean inorganic material.

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may be arranged in the cornerarea CNA. The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may not overlap atleast one of the central area CA, the first area A1, and second area A2.The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may overlap the pixels PX and/ora display element arranged in the corner area CNA

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may include an overlappinginorganic pattern opening OPVXOP. The overlapping inorganic patternopening OPVXOP may be a passage which is arranged under the overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX and through which gas generated from a layerincluding an organic material is discharged. Thus, the reliability ofthe display panel 10 may be increased. The overlapping inorganic patternopening OPVXOP may not overlap the display element and/or the pixels PX.In an embodiment, the overlapping inorganic pattern opening OPVXOP andthe pixels PX may be alternately arranged in a direction away from thecentral area CA.

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may include a contact hole CNTarranged at a distal end of the overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX. Theplurality of pixels PX arranged in the central corner area CCA, thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1, and the second adjacent corner areaACA2 may receive a second power supply voltage through the contact holeCNT of the overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX.

A plurality of overlapping inorganic patterns OPVX may be provided. Eachof the plurality of overlapping inorganic patterns OPVX may extend in adirection away from the central area CA. The plurality of overlappinginorganic patterns OPVX may include a first overlapping inorganicpattern OPVX1, a second overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2, and a thirdoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3. The first overlapping inorganicpattern OPVX1 may overlap the first pixel array PXA1. The secondoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2 may overlap the second pixel arrayPXA2. The third overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3 may overlap thethird pixel array PXA3.

The lower inorganic layer LIL may overlap the corner area CNA. The lowerinorganic layer LIL may not overlap the central area CA. The lowerinorganic layer LIL may include a first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1,a second inner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1, and a third inner inorganicpattern LPVX3-1. The lower inorganic layer LIL may include a first outerinorganic pattern LPVX1-2, a second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2, anda third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2. The lower inorganic layer LILmay include an inorganic pattern line IPL, an inorganic pattern IPT, anda lower inorganic pattern portion LPP. The lower inorganic layer LIL mayinclude an inorganic material.

The first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second inner inorganicpattern LPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1 maysurround the first pixel array PXA1, the second pixel array PXA2, andthe third pixel array PXA3, respectively. The first inner inorganicpattern LPVX1-1 may be arranged between the first overlapping inorganicpattern OPVX1 and the first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1. The secondinner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1 may be arranged between the secondoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2 and the second auxiliary organicpattern AOPT2. The third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1 may be arrangedbetween the third overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3 and the thirdauxiliary inorganic pattern AOPT3.

The first outer inorganic pattern LPVX1-2, the second outer inorganicpattern LPVX2-2, and the third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2 maysurround the first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second innerinorganic pattern LPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganic patternLPVX3-1, respectively. The first outer inorganic pattern LPVX1-2 may bearranged between the first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1 and theorganic pattern OPT. The second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2 may bearranged between the second auxiliary organic pattern AOPT2 and theorganic pattern OPT. The third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2 may bearranged between the third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3 and theorganic pattern OPT.

The inorganic pattern line IPL may extend between the central cornerarea CCA and the middle corner area MCA. The inorganic pattern line IPLmay surround at least one of the central area CA, the first area A1, thesecond area A2, and the middle corner area MCA.

The inorganic pattern line IPL may include a first inorganic patternline IPL1, a second inorganic pattern line IPL2, and a third inorganicpattern line IPL3. The first inorganic pattern line IPL1 may be arrangedbetween the organic pattern OPT and the organic pattern line OPL. Thesecond inorganic pattern line IPL2 may be arranged between the organicpattern line OPL and the auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL. Theauxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may surround the third inorganicpattern line IPL3.

The inorganic pattern IPT may be arranged in at least one of the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 and the second adjacent corner area ACA2. Theinorganic pattern IPT may extend between the second pixel array PXA2 andthe third pixel array PXA3. In other words, the inorganic pattern IPTmay be arranged between the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3.Alternatively, the inorganic pattern IPT may be arranged between asecond display element and a third display element. The inorganicpattern IPT may extend in a serpentine shape.

The inorganic pattern IPT may surround at least a portion of each ofpixel arrays arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In anembodiment, the inorganic pattern IPT may surround at least a portion ofeach of the second pixel array PXA2 and the third pixel array PXA3.

In an embodiment, the inorganic pattern IPT may include a first portionP1, a curved portion CP, and a second portion P2. The first portion P1may extend in a direction closer to the central area CA. In anembodiment, the first portion P1 may extend between the second pixelarray PXA2 and the third pixel array PXA3. The curved portion CP mayextend from the first portion P1 in a curve shape. Thus, the extensiondirection of the inorganic pattern IPT may be changed in the curvedportion CP. The second portion P2 may extend from the curved portion CPin a direction away from the central area CA. The second portion P2 mayextend between the second pixel array PXA2 and the third pixel arrayPXA3. In an embodiment, the middle organic pattern MOPT may be arrangedbetween the first portion P1 and the second portion P2.

In the present embodiment, the first adjacent corner area ACA1 may bebent. If, unlike the present embodiment, when the inorganic pattern IPTis not smoothly curved at a portion where the extension direction ischanged, when the first adjacent corner area ACA1 is bent, stress may beconcentrated on the portion. In the present embodiment, the inorganicpattern IPT may include the curved portion CP and may prevent a stressconcentration phenomenon.

The lower inorganic pattern portion LPP may overlap the overlappinginorganic pattern opening OPVXOP of the overlapping inorganic patternOPVX. The lower inorganic pattern portion LPP may include an inorganicmaterial.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the displaypanel 10 taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 7. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view ofportion H of the display panel of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an enlarged viewof portion I of the display panel of FIG. 8A. In FIGS. 8A through 8C,the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 7 refer to the sameelements and thus, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 8A through 8C, the display panel 10 may include asubstrate 100, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a lower inorganic layer LIL,an upper inorganic layer UIL, a display element layer DEL, and anencapsulating layer ENL. The substrate 100 may include a central cornerarea CCA and a first adjacent corner area ACA1. A second penetrationarea PA2 may be arranged between the central corner area CCA and thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1. The display element layer DEL mayinclude a plurality of organic light emitting diodes OLED as a pluralityof display elements. In an embodiment, the plurality of organic lightemitting diodes OLED may include a first organic light emitting diodeOLED1 arranged in the central corner area CCA, and a second organiclight emitting diode OLED2 and a third organic light emitting diodeOLED3 arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The pixel circuit layer PCL may include a lower connection line LCL, apixel circuit PC, an inorganic insulating layer IIL, a lower organicinsulating layer 115, and an organic insulating layer 116. The inorganicinsulating layer IIL may include a buffer layer 111, a first gateinsulating layer 112, a second gate insulating layer 113, and aninterlayer insulating layer 114. In an embodiment, the inorganicinsulating layer IIL may be arranged between a plurality of organiclight emitting diodes OLED as a plurality of display elements and thesubstrate 100. The lower organic insulating layer 115 and the organicinsulating layer 116 may be arranged between the inorganic insulatinglayer IIL and the plurality of organic light emitting diodes OLED as aplurality of display elements.

In an embodiment, the lower connection line LCL may include a firstlower connection line LCL1 and a second lower connection line LCL2. Inan embodiment, the first lower connection line LCL1 may be arrangedbetween the first gate insulating layer 112 and the second gateinsulating layer 113. The second lower connection line LCL2 may bearranged between the second gate insulating layer 113 and the interlayerinsulating layer 114. In an embodiment, the first lower connection lineLCL1 and the second lower connection line LCL2 may be alternatelyarranged. Thus, an area occupied by the first lower connection line LCL1and the second lower connection line LCL2 may be reduced.

The lower organic insulating layer 115 may cover the lower connectionline LCL and the pixel circuit PC. The second connection line CL2 andthe connection electrode CML may be arranged on the lower organicinsulating layer 115.

The inorganic insulating layer IIL and the lower organic insulatinglayer 115 arranged in the central corner area CCA and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 may be each disconnected with the second penetrationarea PA2 interposed therebetween. For example, a portion of theinorganic insulating layer IIL arranged in the central corner area CCAmay be spaced apart from the other portion of the inorganic insulatinglayer IIL arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1. A portion ofthe lower organic insulating layer 115 arranged in the central cornerarea CCA may be spaced apart from the other portion of the lower organicinsulating layer 115 arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1.Thus, shrinkage stress or shrinkage strain generated when the centralcorner area CCA is bent, may be minimized.

In an embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer IIL and the lowerorganic insulating layer 115 may each continuously extend from the firstadjacent corner area ACA1. Each of the inorganic insulating layer IILand the lower organic insulating layer 115 may not be disconnected inthe first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The lower inorganic layer LIL may be arranged on the second connectionline CL2 and/or the lower organic insulating layer 115. In anembodiment, the lower inorganic layer LIL may include a first innerinorganic pattern LPVX1-1, a second inner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1, anda third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1. In an embodiment, the lowerinorganic layer LIL may include a first outer inorganic pattern LPVX1-2,a second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2, and a third outer inorganicpattern LPVX3-2. The lower inorganic layer LIL may include an inorganicpattern IPT.

The first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second inner inorganicpattern LPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1 may eachsurround the first organic light emitting diode OLED1, the secondorganic light emitting diode OLED2, and the third organic light emittingdiode OLED3.

The first outer inorganic pattern LPVX1-2, the second outer inorganicpattern LPVX2-2, and the third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2 may eachsurround the first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second innerinorganic pattern LPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganic patternLPVX3-1.

The inorganic pattern IPT may be arranged between the second organiclight emitting diode OLED2 and the third organic light emitting diodeOLED3. In an embodiment, the inorganic pattern IPT may be arrangedbetween the second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2 and the third outerinorganic pattern LPVX3-2.

The organic insulating layer 116 may be arranged on the inorganicpattern IPT. The organic insulating layer 116 may be arranged on theinorganic pattern IPT, the second connection line CL2, the connectionelectrode CML, and the lower organic insulating layer 115. In anembodiment, the organic insulating layer 116 may include a hole HL. Inan embodiment, a plurality of holes HL may be provided and may overlapthe lower inorganic layer LIL. For example, at least a portion of theinorganic pattern IPT may overlap the hole HL. The hole HL may expose atleast a portion of the lower inorganic layer LIL. For example, the holeHL may expose the inorganic pattern IPT.

The hole HL may be a passage through which gas generated from the lowerorganic insulating layer 115 and/or the organic insulating layer 116 isdischarged. Thus, the reliability of the display panel 10 may beincreased.

In an embodiment, the hole HL of the organic insulating layer 116 may beformed through an etching process. If the lower inorganic layer LIL isomitted, the second connection line CL2 and/or the lower organicinsulating layer 115 may be over-etched through the etching process.When the second connection line CL2 is over-etched, the resistance ofthe second connection line CL2 may be increased. In the presentembodiment, because the lower inorganic layer LIL is arranged on thesecond connection line CL2 and/or the lower organic insulating layer115, over-etching of the second connection line CL2 and the lowerorganic insulating layer 115 may be prevented or reduced.

The organic insulating layer 116 arranged in the central corner area CCAmay be disconnected from the organic insulating layer 116 arranged inthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 with the second penetration area PA2interposed therebetween. In other words, a portion of the organicinsulating layer 116 arranged in the central corner area CCA may bespaced apart from the other portion of the organic insulating layer 116arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The display element layer DEL may be arranged on the pixel circuit layerPCL. The display element layer DEL may include a plurality of organiclight emitting diodes OLED as a plurality of display elements and anorganic layer OL. The plurality of organic light emitting diodes OLEDmay include a first organic light emitting diode OLED1 including a firstpixel electrode 211A, a second organic light emitting diode OLED2including a second pixel electrode 211B, and a third organic lightemitting diode OLED3 including a third pixel electrode 211C. The firstorganic light emitting diode OLED1 may be arranged in the central cornerarea CCA. The second organic light emitting diode OLED2 and the thirdorganic light emitting diode OLED3 may be arranged in the first adjacentcorner area ACA1.

The organic light emitting diode OLED may include a pixel electrode 211,an intermediate layer 212, and an opposite electrode 213. In anembodiment, the intermediate layer 212 may include a first functionallayer 212 a, an emission layer 212 b, and a second functional layer 212c.

The organic layer OL may include a pixel-defining layer 118, an organicpattern OPT, an auxiliary organic pattern AOPT, and a middle organicpattern MOPT. The pixel-defining layer 118 may cover an edge of thepixel electrode 211. An opening 118OP of the pixel-defining layer 118may define an emission area of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

The organic pattern OPT may be arranged on the substrate 100 and maysurround each of the first organic light emitting diode OLED1, thesecond organic light emitting diode OLED2, and the third organic lightemitting diode OLED3. In an embodiment, the organic pattern OPT arrangedin the central corner area CCA and the organic pattern OPT arranged inthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 that face each other may be spacedapart from each other with the second penetration area PA2 interposedtherebetween. In an embodiment, the middle organic pattern MOPT may bearranged between the organic patterns OPT arranged in the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 that face each other.

In an embodiment, the organic pattern OPT may include a first layer 118and a second layer 119 a arranged on the first layer 118 a. In anembodiment, the first layer 118 a of the organic pattern OPT may includethe same material as that of the pixel-defining layer 118. The secondlayer 119 a of the organic pattern OPT may include the same material asthat of a spacer (see 119 of FIG. 5).

The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may be spaced apart from the organicpattern OPT. In an embodiment, the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT mayinclude a first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1, a second auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT2, and a third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3. Thefirst auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1 may be arranged between theorganic pattern OPT and the first organic light emitting diode OLED1 inthe central corner area CCA. The second auxiliary organic pattern AOPT2may be arranged between the organic pattern OPT and the second organiclight emitting diode OLED2 in the first adjacent corner area ACA1. Thethird auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3 may be arranged between theorganic pattern OPT and the third organic light emitting diode OLED3 inthe first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may include a first layer 118 c. Inan embodiment, the first layer 118 c of the auxiliary organic patternAOPT may include the same material as that of the pixel-defining layer118.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the organic pattern OPT may begreater than the thickness of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT. Forexample, the organic pattern OPT includes the first layer 118 a and thesecond layer 119 a. However, the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT mayinclude the first layer 118 c so that the organic pattern OPT and theauxiliary organic pattern AOPT may have different thicknesses. Thethickness of the organic pattern OPT may be a distance from an uppersurface of the upper inorganic layer UIL to an upper surface of theorganic pattern OPT. The thickness of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPTmay be a distance from the upper surface of the upper inorganic layerUIL to an upper surface of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT.

In an embodiment, a distance from an upper surface of the substrate 100to an upper surface of the organic pattern OPT may be greater than adistance from the upper surface of the substrate 100 to the uppersurface of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT.

The organic pattern OPT may function similarly to the spacer 119 of FIG.5. In the method of manufacturing the display panel 10, the organicpattern OPT may prevent at least one of the pixel circuit layer PCL andthe display element layer DEL from being damaged by a mask sheet. Whenthe display panel 10 is manufactured, the organic pattern OPT may be incontact with the mask sheet and thus, the shape of the organic patternOPT may be deformed. When the shape of the upper surface of the organicpattern OPT is deformed, the first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 maybe formed along the deformed shape of the organic pattern OPT, andbarrier characteristics may be deteriorated.

In the present embodiment, the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may bearranged between the organic pattern OPT and the organic light emittingdiode OLED. Because the thickness of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPTis less than the thickness of the organic pattern OPT, the auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT may not be in contact with the mask sheet. Thus,the first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be formed on an uppersurface of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT that is flat. Thus, timewhen external air or moisture from the outside reaches the organic lightemitting diode OLED, may be delayed, and the barrier characteristics ofthe first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be increased. In someembodiments, the thickness of the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may bethe same as the thickness of the organic pattern OPT.

In an embodiment, the middle organic pattern MOPT may be arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1. The middle organic pattern MOPT may bearranged between the organic patterns OPT facing each other. In someembodiments, the middle organic pattern MOPT and the organic pattern OPTmay be integrally provided.

The upper inorganic layer UIL may be arranged between the organicinsulating layer 116 and the display element layer DEL. In anembodiment, the upper inorganic layer UIL may include a firstoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX1 that overlaps the first organiclight emitting diode OLED1, a second overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2that overlaps the second organic light emitting diode OLED2, and a thirdoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3 that overlaps the third organiclight emitting diode OLED3. In an embodiment, the upper inorganic layerUIL may include an upper inorganic pattern UIPT that overlaps theorganic pattern OPT. The upper inorganic pattern UIPT may be arrangedbetween the organic insulating layer 116 and the organic pattern OPT. Inan embodiment, the upper inorganic layer UIL may include an auxiliaryinorganic pattern MPVX that overlaps the auxiliary organic pattern AOPT.The auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX may include a first auxiliaryinorganic pattern MPVX1 that overlaps the first auxiliary organicpattern AOPT1, a second auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX2 that overlapsthe second auxiliary organic pattern AOPT2, and a third auxiliaryinorganic pattern MPVX3 that overlaps the third auxiliary organicpattern AOPT3. In an embodiment, the upper inorganic layer UIL mayinclude a middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT that overlaps the middleorganic pattern MOPT.

The upper inorganic layer UIL may provide a protruding tip PTP thatprotrudes in a center direction of the hole HL. In an embodiment, theupper inorganic pattern UIPT may include a protruding tip PTP thatprotrudes in the center direction of the hole HL. The center directionof the hole HL may be a direction from an inner surface of the organicinsulating layer 116 for defining the hole HL to a central axis of thehole HL. Thus, a lower surface of the protruding tip PTP may be exposedto the hole HL. That is, the hole HL of the organic insulating layer 116may have an undercut structure.

The first functional layer 212 a, the second functional layer 212 c, andthe opposite electrode 213 may be entirely arranged in the centralcorner area CCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In anembodiment, each of the first functional layer 212 a, the secondfunctional layer 212 c, and the opposite electrode 213 may bedisconnected based on the hole HL. For example, a portion of the firstfunctional layer 212 a may be spaced apart from the other portion of thefirst functional layer 212 a based on the hole HL. The lower surface ofthe protruding tip PTP that overlaps the hole HL may not be in contactwith the first functional layer 212 a, the second functional layer 212c, and the opposite electrode 213. At least one of the first functionallayer 212 a and the second functional layer 212 c may include an organicmaterial, and external foreign substances or moisture may be introducedinto the organic light emitting diode OLED through the first functionallayer 212 a and the second functional layer 212 c. In the presentembodiment, because each of the first functional layer 212 a and thesecond functional layer 212 c are disconnected based on the hole HL,moisture or foreign substances may be prevented or reduced from beingintroduced into the organic light emitting diode OLED.

The encapsulating layer ENL may cover the display element layer DEL. Theencapsulating layer ENL may cover a plurality of organic light emittingdiodes OLED. The encapsulating layer ENL may include at least oneinorganic encapsulating layer and at least one organic encapsulatinglayer. FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate that the encapsulating layer ENLincludes a first inorganic encapsulating layer 310, an organicencapsulating layer 320, and a second inorganic encapsulating layer 330.

The first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 may entirely andcontinuously cover the central corner area CCA and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulatinglayer 310 may entirely and continuously cover a plurality of organiclight emitting diodes OLED, the hole HL, the auxiliary organic patternAOPT, the organic pattern OPT, and the middle organic pattern MOPT. Thefirst inorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be in contact with the upperinorganic layer UIL. For example, the first inorganic encapsulatinglayer 310 may be in contact with the lower surface of the protruding tipPTP. Thus, external moisture and foreign substances may be prevented orreduced from being introduced into the central corner area CCA and/orthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 through at least one of the firstfunctional layer 212 a and the second functional layer 212 c includingan inorganic material, and the reliability of the display panel 10 maybe increased.

The organic encapsulating layer 320 may cover a plurality of organiclight emitting diodes OLED as a plurality of display elements. In anembodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 may fill the hole HL. Inan embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 may fill a pluralityof holes HL. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 mayfill any one of the plurality of holes HL and may not fill the other oneof the plurality of holes HL. In some embodiments, the organicencapsulating layer 320 may not fill the hole HL.

The organic encapsulating layer 320 may include a first encapsulatingarea 320A, a second encapsulating area 320B, and a third encapsulatingarea 320C. In an embodiment, the first encapsulating area 320A mayoverlap the central corner area CCA and may cover the first organiclight emitting diode OLED1 as a first display element. The secondencapsulating area 320B may overlap the first adjacent corner area ACA1and may cover the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 as a seconddisplay element. The third encapsulating area 320C may overlap the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 and may cover the third organic light emittingdiode OLED3 as a third display element.

The first encapsulating area 320A, the second encapsulating area 320B,and the third encapsulating area 320C may be separated from each otherbased on the organic pattern OPT. The first encapsulating area 320A mayextend from the first organic light emitting diode OLED1 to the organicpattern OPT. The second encapsulating area 320B may extend from thesecond organic light emitting diode OLED2 to the organic pattern OPT.The third encapsulating area 320C may extend from the third organiclight emitting diode OLED3 to the organic pattern OPT.

In the present embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 mayinclude the first encapsulating area 320A, the second encapsulating area320B, and the third encapsulating area 320C, which are separated fromeach other. The organic encapsulating layer 320 may be formed bydischarging monomer including an organic material onto the plurality oforganic light emitting didoes OLED. If, unlike in the presentembodiment, the second encapsulating area 320B and the thirdencapsulating area 320C are integrally formed, the amount of monomerdischarged to the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 and thethird organic light emitting diode OLED3 may be greater than the amountof monomer discharged to the first organic light emitting diode OLED1.In this case, monomer discharged to the first adjacent corner area ACA1may overflow to reach the second penetration area PA2, and an organicencapsulating layer may be formed in the second penetration area PA2.Thus, the central corner area CCA and the first adjacent corner areaACA1 may not be separated from each other so that stress generated whenthe central corner area CCA is bent may be increased. In the presentembodiment, similar to the central corner area CCA, the organic patternOPT that each surrounds the second organic light emitting diode OLED2and the third organic light emitting diode OLED3 may be arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1, and monomer may be discharged to thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1. In this case, monomer discharged to thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1 may be prevented or reduced fromoverflowing into the second penetration area PA2. Thus, the centralcorner area CCA may be bent without damage.

As in the first inorganic encapsulating layer 310, the second inorganicencapsulating layer 330 may entirely and continuously cover the centralcorner area CCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In anembodiment, the second inorganic encapsulating layer 330 may be incontact with the first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 on the organicpattern OPT.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment. FIG. 10A is a plan view illustratinga method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device under manufacturetaken along line J-J′ of FIG. 10A.

Referring to FIG. 9, a blocking layer BL may be formed on a supportsubstrate SS. The support substrate SS may include a material havinghardness and rigidity sufficient to support the manufactured displaypanel and/or display device, and may include, for example, a glassmaterial. The blocking layer BL may be formed to correspond to thecorner CN in the display panel and/or display device under manufacture.

The blocking layer BL may include a material capable of blocking laserused in separating the display panel and/or the display device undermanufacture from the support substrate SS. In an embodiment, theblocking layer BL may include a material having an absorptivity of 90%or more (or a transmittance of 10% or less) in a wavelength of 300 nm.For example, the blocking layer BL may include at least one of amorphoussilicon (a-Si), polysilicon (Poly-Si), crystalline-Si, ZnO, and IZO. Inan embodiment, when an excimer laser having a wavelength of 308 nm isused, a-Si may be used to form the blocking layer BL.

The blocking layer BL may be formed by patterning through exposure anddevelopment processes using a photoresist. In an embodiment, theblocking layer BL may include a plurality of extension portions.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a substrate layer 100L may be formed onthe support substrate SS. The support substrate SS may include an uppersurface SSUS of the support substrate SS and a lower surface SSLS of thesupport substrate SS. The blocking layer BL may be formed on the uppersurface SSUS of the support substrate SS, and the substrate layer 100Lmay be formed on the support substrate SS and the blocking layer BL.

The substrate layer 100L may include a central area CA, a first area A1,a second area A2, a corner area CNA, and an outer area OA. The firstarea A1 may extend from the central area CA in the first direction (forexample, an x-direction or an −x-direction). The second area A2 mayextend from the central area CA in the second direction (for example, ay-direction or a −y-direction).

The corner area CNA may surround at least a portion of the central areaCA, the first area A1, and the second area A2. The corner area CNA mayinclude the central corner area CCA, the first adjacent corner areaACA1, the second adjacent corner area ACA2, and the middle corner areaMCA.

The outer area OA may be arranged outside the corner area CNA. In anembodiment, the outer area OA may be arranged between the central cornerarea CCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. The outer area OA maybe an area overlapping the blocking layer BL.

In an embodiment, the substrate layer 100L may include a first baselayer 100 a, a first barrier layer 100 b, a second base layer 100 c, anda second barrier layer 100 d, which are sequentially stacked. In anembodiment, the first base layer 100 a and the second base layer 100 cmay be continuously arranged in the central corner area CCA, the outerarea OA, and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In an embodiment, thefirst barrier layer 100 b that overlaps the central corner area CCA, thefirst barrier layer 100 b that overlaps the outer area OA, and the firstbarrier layer 100 b that overlaps the first adjacent corner area ACA1may be spaced apart from one another. In an embodiment, the secondbarrier layer 100 d that overlaps the central corner area CCA, thesecond barrier layer 100 d that overlaps the outer area OA, and thesecond barrier layer 100 d that overlaps the first adjacent corner areaACA1 may be spaced apart from one another.

The inorganic insulating layer IIL, the pixel circuit PC, and the lowerconnection line LCL may be formed on the substrate layer 100L. In anembodiment, the inorganic insulating layer IIL arranged in the centralcorner area CCA and the inorganic insulating layer IIL arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1 may be spaced apart from each other. Inan embodiment, the inorganic insulating pattern IIP may be arranged inthe outer area OA. The inorganic insulating pattern IIP may be spacedapart from each of the inorganic insulating layer IIL arranged in thecentral corner area CCA and the inorganic insulating layer IIL arrangedin the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

In an embodiment, the lower connection line LCL may include a firstlower connection line LCL1 and a second lower connection line LCL2. Inan embodiment, the first lower connection line LCL1 may be arrangedbetween the first gate insulating layer 112 and the second gateinsulating layer 113. The second lower connection line LCL2 may bearranged between the second gate insulating layer 113 and the interlayerinsulating layer 114.

The lower organic insulating layer 115 may be formed on the inorganicinsulating layer IIL and the pixel circuit PC. The lower organicinsulating layer 115 may be continuously arranged in the central cornerarea CCA, the outer area OA, and the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The second connection line CL2 and the connection electrode CML may beformed on the lower organic insulating layer 115.

FIG. 11A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment. FIGS. 11B and 11C are cross-sectionalviews of a display device under manufacture taken along line K-K′ ofFIG. 11A.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the lower inorganic layer LIL may beformed on the lower organic insulating layer 115 and/or the secondconnection line CL2. The lower inorganic layer LIL may overlap thecorner area CNA. In an embodiment, the lower inorganic layer LIL may notoverlap the central area CA. In an embodiment, the lower inorganic layerLIL may not overlap the outer area OA. The lower inorganic layer LIL mayinclude a first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, a second innerinorganic pattern LPVX2-1, and a third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1.The lower inorganic layer LIL may include a first outer inorganicpattern LPVX1-2, a second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2, and a thirdouter inorganic pattern LPVX3-2. The lower inorganic layer LIL mayinclude an inorganic pattern line IPL, an inorganic pattern IPT, and alower inorganic pattern portion (not shown). In an embodiment, the lowerinorganic layer LIL may be entirely formed on the lower organicinsulating layer 115 and then may be patterned.

In an embodiment, each of the first inner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, thesecond inner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganicpattern LPVX3-1 may be formed in a closed curve shape. Each of the firstinner inorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second inner inorganic patternLPVX2-1, and the third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1 may extend in adirection away from the central area CA. The first inner inorganicpattern LPVX1-1 may be formed in the central corner area CCA. The secondinner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1 and the third inner inorganic patternLPVX3-1 may be formed in the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

In an embodiment, each of the first outer inorganic pattern LPVX1-2, thesecond outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2, and the third outer inorganicpattern LPVX3-2 may be formed in a closed curve shape. Each of the firstouter inorganic pattern LPVX1-2, the second outer inorganic patternLPVX2-2, and the third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2 may extend in adirection away from the central area CA. The first outer inorganicpattern LPVX1-2, the second outer inorganic pattern LPVX2-2, and thethird outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2 may each surround the first innerinorganic pattern LPVX1-1, the second inner inorganic pattern LPVX2-1,and the third inner inorganic pattern LPVX3-1.

The inorganic pattern line IPL may extend between the central cornerarea CCA and the middle corner area MCA. The inorganic pattern line IPLmay surround at least one of the central area CA, the first area A1, thesecond area A2, and the middle corner area MCA.

The inorganic pattern line IPL may include a first inorganic patternline IPL1, a second inorganic pattern line IPL2, and a third inorganicpattern line IPL3. The first inorganic pattern line IPL1 and the secondinorganic pattern line IPL2 may surround at least a portion of the thirdinorganic pattern line IPL3. The first inorganic pattern line IPL1 maysurround at least a portion of the second inorganic pattern line IPL2.

The inorganic pattern IPT may be formed in at least one of the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 and the second adjacent corner area ACA2. Theinorganic pattern IPT may extend in a serpentine shape. The inorganicpattern IPT may surround at least a portion of each of the second outerinorganic pattern LPVX2-2 and the third outer inorganic pattern LPVX3-2.

The inorganic pattern IPT may include a first portion, a curved portion,and a second portion. The first portion may extend in a direction closerto the central area CA. The curved portion may extend from the firstportion in a curve shape. Thus, the extension direction of the inorganicpattern IPT may be changed in the curved portion. The second portion mayextend in a direction away from the central area CA in the curvedportion.

Referring to FIG. 11C, the organic insulating layer 116 may be formed onthe lower organic insulating layer 115, the lower inorganic layer LIL,the second connection line CL2, and the connection electrode CML. In anembodiment, the organic insulating layer 116 may be formed on theinorganic pattern IPT. The organic insulating layer 116 may becontinuously arranged on the central corner area CCA, the outer area OA,and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the organicinsulating layer 116 may have a hole exposing the connection electrodeCML.

FIG. 12A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment. FIGS. 12B and 12C are cross-sectionalviews of a display device under manufacture taken along line L-L′ ofFIG. 12A.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the upper inorganic layer UIL may beformed on the organic insulating layer 116. In an embodiment, the upperinorganic layer UIL may overlap the corner area CNA and/or the outerarea OA. In an embodiment, the upper inorganic layer UIL may not overlapthe central area CA. The upper inorganic layer UIL may include anoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX, an upper inorganic pattern UIPT, anauxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX, an upper inorganic pattern line UIPL,a middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT, and a dummy upper inorganicpattern DUPT. In an embodiment, the overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX,the upper inorganic pattern UIPT, the auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX,the upper inorganic pattern line UIPL, the middle upper inorganicpattern MUPT, and the dummy upper inorganic pattern DUPT may besimultaneously formed.

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may be arranged in the cornerarea CNA. The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may not overlap atleast one of the central area CA, the first area A1, and the second areaA2.

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may include an inorganic patternopening (not shown). The overlapping inorganic pattern opening (notshown) may be a passage which is arranged under the overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX and through which gas generated from a layerincluding an organic material is discharged.

The overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX may include a contact hole CNTarranged at a distal end of the overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX.

A plurality of overlapping inorganic patterns OPVX may be provided, andeach of the plurality of overlapping inorganic patterns OPVX may extendin a direction away from the central area CA. The plurality ofoverlapping inorganic patterns OPVX may include a first overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX1, a second overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2,and a third overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3. The first overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX1 may be arranged in the central corner area CCA.The second overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2 and the third overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX3 may be arranged in the first adjacent cornerarea ACA1.

The auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX may be spaced apart from theoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX and may surround the overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX. In an embodiment, the auxiliary inorganicpattern MPVX may include a first auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX1, asecond auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX2, and a third auxiliaryinorganic pattern MPVX3. The first auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX1 maybe spaced apart from the first overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX1 andmay surround the first overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX1. The secondauxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX2 may be spaced apart from the secondoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2 and may surround the secondoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2. The third auxiliary inorganicpattern MPVX3 may be spaced apart from the third overlapping inorganicpattern OPVX3 and may surround the third overlapping inorganic patternOPVX3.

The upper inorganic pattern UIPT may be arranged in the corner area CNA.The upper inorganic pattern UIPT arranged in the central corner area CCAmay define edges of the plurality of extension areas EA. The upperinorganic pattern UIPT may be spaced apart from the overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX and the auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX and maysurround the overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX and the auxiliaryinorganic pattern MPVX. In an embodiment, the upper inorganic patternUIPT may surround each of the first overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX1,the second overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2, and the thirdoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3.

In an embodiment, a portion of the upper inorganic pattern UIPT mayextend between the central corner area CCA and the middle corner areaMCA. A portion of the upper inorganic pattern UIPT may surround at leastone of the central area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, andthe middle corner area MCA.

The upper inorganic pattern line UIPL may extend between the centralcorner area CCA and the middle corner area MCA. The upper inorganicpattern line UIPL may surround at least one of the central area CA, thefirst area A1, the second area A2, and the middle corner area MCA. Theupper inorganic pattern line UIPL may be spaced apart from the upperinorganic pattern UIPT. The upper inorganic pattern line UIPL mayinclude a first upper inorganic pattern line UIPL1 and a second upperinorganic pattern line UIPL2. The upper inorganic pattern line UIPL1 maysurround the second upper inorganic pattern line UIPL2.

The middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT may be arranged in the firstadjacent corner area ACA1. The middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT maybe arranged between the upper inorganic patterns UIPT facing each other.In an embodiment, the middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT and the upperinorganic pattern UIPT may be integrally provided.

The dummy upper inorganic pattern DUPT may be arranged in the outer areaOA. In an embodiment, the dummy upper inorganic pattern DUPT may bearranged between a plurality of adjacent upper inorganic patterns UIPTarranged in the central corner area CCA. The dummy upper inorganicpatterns DUPT may be arranged between the upper inorganic pattern UIPTarranged in the central corner area CCA and the upper inorganic patternUIPT arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1. The dummy upperinorganic pattern DUPT and the upper inorganic pattern UIPT may bespaced apart from each other.

Referring to FIG. 12C, the pixel electrode 211 may be formed on theoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX. In an embodiment, the plurality ofpixel electrodes 211 may be formed on the overlapping inorganic patternOPVX. In an embodiment, the plurality of pixel electrodes 211 may beformed on the substrate 100. The pixel electrode 211 may include a firstpixel electrode 211A, a second pixel electrode 211B, and a third pixelelectrode 211C. The first pixel electrode 211A may be arranged in thecentral corner area CCA and may be formed on the first overlappinginorganic pattern OPVX1. The second pixel electrode 211B may be arrangedin the first adjacent corner area ACA1 and may be formed on the secondoverlapping inorganic pattern OPVX2. The third pixel electrode 211C maybe arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1 and may be formed onthe third overlapping inorganic pattern OPVX3.

FIG. 13A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment. FIGS. 13B through 13F arecross-sectional views of a display device under manufacture taken alongline M-M′ of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13G is an enlarged view of portion N of thedisplay device under manufacture of FIG. 13F. FIG. 13H is an enlargedview of portion O of the display device under manufacture of FIG. 13F.FIG. 13I is a cross-sectional view of a display device under manufacturetaken along line M-M′ of FIG. 13A;

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the organic layer OL may be formed onthe upper inorganic layer UIL. The organic layer OL may include apixel-defining layer 118, an organic pattern OPT, an organic patternline OPL, an auxiliary organic pattern AOPT, an auxiliary organicpattern line AOPL, a middle organic pattern MOPT, and a dummy organicpattern DOPT.

The pixel-defining layer 118 may cover edges of the pixel electrode 211.In an embodiment, the pixel-defining layer 118 may cover edges of thefirst pixel electrode 211A, edges of the second pixel electrode 211B,and edges of the third pixel electrode 211C. The opening 118OP of thepixel-defining layer 118 may overlap the pixel electrode 211.

In an embodiment, an organic pattern OPT may be formed to surround thefirst pixel electrode 211A, the second pixel electrode 211B, and thethird pixel electrode 211C. The organic pattern OPT may be formed on theupper inorganic pattern UIPT. The organic pattern OPT that overlaps thecentral corner area CCA may define edges of a plurality of extensionareas EA. In an embodiment, the organic pattern OPT may include a firstlayer 118 a and a second layer 119 a arranged on the first layer 118 a.

In an embodiment, a portion of the organic pattern OPT may extendbetween the central corner area CCA and the middle corner area MCA. Aportion of the organic pattern OPT may surround at least one of thecentral area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2, and the middlecorner area MCA.

The organic pattern line OPL may extend between the central corner areaCCA and the middle corner area MCA. The organic pattern line OPL may bearranged on the upper inorganic pattern line. The organic pattern lineOPL may surround at least one of the central area CA, the first area A1,the second area A2, and the middle corner area MCA. The organic patternline OPL may be spaced apart from the organic pattern OPT.

The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may be spaced apart from the organicpattern OPT. The organic pattern OPT may surround the auxiliary organicpattern AOPT. The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may be arranged on theauxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX. In an embodiment, the auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT may include a first auxiliary organic patternAOPT1, a second auxiliary organic pattern AOPT2, and a third auxiliaryorganic pattern AOPT3. The auxiliary organic pattern AOPT may include afirst layer 118 c.

The first auxiliary organic pattern AOPT1, the second auxiliary organicpattern AOPT2, and the third auxiliary organic pattern AOPT3 may bearranged on the first auxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX1, the secondauxiliary inorganic pattern MPVX2, and the third auxiliary inorganicpattern MPVX3, respectively.

The auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may extend between the centralcorner area CCA and the middle corner area MCA. The organic pattern lineOPL may surround the auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL. The auxiliaryorganic pattern line AOPL may extend similar to the organic pattern lineOPL. The auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may be spaced apart fromthe auxiliary organic pattern AOPT.

The middle organic pattern MOPT may be arranged in the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. The middle organic pattern MOPT may be arranged on themiddle upper inorganic pattern MDPT. The middle organic pattern MOPT maybe arranged between the organic patterns OPT facing each other. In someembodiments, the middle organic pattern MOPT and the organic pattern OPTmay be integrally provided.

The dummy organic pattern DOPT may be arranged in the outer area OA. Thedummy organic pattern DOPT may be arranged on the dummy upper inorganicpattern DUPT. In an embodiment, the dummy organic pattern DOPT may bearranged between the organic pattern OPT arranged in the central cornerarea CCA and the organic pattern OPT arranged in the first adjacentcorner area ACA1.

Referring to FIGS. 13C through 13E, at least a portion of the substratelayer 100L between the central corner area CCA and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 may be removed. Also, when at least a portion of thesubstrate layer 100L is removed, a hole HL exposing at least a portionof the lower inorganic layer LIL may be formed.

Referring to FIG. 13C, a protective pattern PRP may be formed. In anembodiment, the protective pattern PRP may be formed in the centralcorner area CCA, the first adjacent corner area ACA1, and the outer areaOA. Although not shown, the protective pattern PRP may be entirelyformed in the central area CA, the first area A1, the second area A2,and the middle corner area MCA.

A plurality of protective patterns PRP may be provided. Each of theplurality of protective patterns PRP may cover the upper inorganic layerUIL, the pixel electrode 211, and the organic layer OL. An upper surfaceof the organic insulating layer 116 may be exposed between the pluralityof adjacent protective patterns PRP. The protective pattern PRP mayinclude an etch-resistant material. For example, the protective patternPRP may include indium zinc oxide (IZO).

Referring to FIG. 13D, at least a portion of the substrate layer 100Lthat overlaps the outer area OA may be removed. In an embodiment, atleast a portion of a first base layer 100 a and a second base layer 100c that overlap the outer area OA may be removed. In an embodiment, atleast a portion of the lower organic insulating layer 115 and theorganic insulating layer 116 that overlap the outer area OA may beremoved. In an embodiment, the lower organic insulating layer 115 andthe organic insulating layer 116 that overlap the dummy upper inorganicpattern DUPT and the dummy organic pattern DOPT may not be removed.

The hole HL may be formed in the organic insulating layer 116. The holeHL may be formed in the central corner area CCA and the first adjacentcorner area ACA1. A plurality of holes HL may be provided. In anembodiment, because the inorganic pattern IPT, the upper inorganicpattern UIPT and the middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT are arrangedbetween the second pixel electrode 211B and the third pixel electrode211C, the substrate layer 100L and the lower organic insulating layer115, which are arranged under the organic pattern IPT, the upperinorganic pattern UIPT and the middle upper inorganic pattern MUPT, maynot be etched. Thus, the substrate layer 100L, the inorganic insulatinglayer IIL, and the lower organic insulating layer 115 may becontinuously arranged in the first adjacent corner area ACA1.

The hole HL may be a passage through which gas generated from the lowerorganic insulating layer 115 and/or the organic insulating layer 116 isdischarged. In an embodiment, the plurality of holes HL may be arrangedin the first adjacent corner area ACA1. Thus, gas generated from thelower organic insulating layer 115 and/or the organic insulating layer116 may be entirely discharged from the inside of the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 and edges of the first adjacent corner area ACA1 facingedges of the central corner area CCA. Thus, the reliability of amanufactured display panel and/or display device may be increased.

In an embodiment, the hole HL may be formed through a dry etchingprocess. In an embodiment, the organic insulating layer 116 exposedbetween the plurality of adjacent protective patterns PRP may be etched.

The hole HL may expose at least a portion of the lower inorganic layerLIL. In an embodiment, the hole HL may expose at least a portion of theinorganic pattern IPT. The lower organic layer LIL may prevent or reducethe second connection line CL2 and/or the lower organic insulating layer115 arranged under the lower inorganic layer LIL from being over-etched.

The pixel electrode 211, the upper inorganic layer UIL, and the organiclayer OL may be covered by the protective pattern PRP, and theprotective pattern PRP may prevent or reduce the pixel electrode 211,the upper inorganic layer UIL, and the organic layer OL from beingetched while the hole HL is formed in the organic insulating layer 116.

In an embodiment, the organic insulating layer 116 may be over-etched.Thus, the organic insulating layer 116 may have an undercut structure.In an embodiment, a lower surface of an end of the upper inorganic layerUIL may be exposed. In an embodiment, a lower surface of the protrudingtip PTP of the upper inorganic layer UIL that overlaps the hole HL maybe exposed.

Referring to FIG. 13E, the protective pattern PRP may be removed. In anembodiment, the protective pattern PRP may be removed through a wetetching process.

Referring to FIGS. 13F through 13H, a plurality of organic lightemitting diodes OLED as a plurality of display elements may be formed byforming an emission layer 212 b and an opposite electrode 213 in each ofa plurality of pixel electrodes 211. In an embodiment, the intermediatelayer 212 including the first functional layer 212 a, the emission layer212 b, and the second functional layer 212 c may be formed on theplurality of pixel electrodes 211. The opposite electrode 213 may beformed on the intermediate layer 212. Thus, a first organic lightemitting diode OLED1 as a first display element, a second organic lightemitting diode OLED2 as a second display element, and a third organiclight emitting diode OLED3 may be formed.

The upper inorganic layer UIL may include the protruding tip PTP thatprotrudes in the center direction of the hole HL of the organicinsulating layer 116, and each of the first functional layer 212 a, thesecond functional layer 212 c, and the opposite electrode 213 may bedisconnected based on the hole HL. Also, a lower surface of theprotruding tip PTP that overlaps the hole HL may not be in contact withthe first functional layer 212 a, the second functional layer 212 c, andthe opposite electrode 213. Thus, external moisture and foreignsubstances may be prevented or reduced from being introduced into thecentral corner area CCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1 throughat least one of the first functional layer 212 a and the secondfunctional layer 212 c. The reliability of the display panel and/or thedisplay device may be increased.

Referring to FIG. 13I, at least one inorganic encapsulating layer may beformed on the plurality of organic light emitting diodes OLED as aplurality of display elements. At least one inorganic encapsulatinglayer may be entirely and continuously formed in the central corner areaCCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In an embodiment, the firstinorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be formed on the plurality oforganic light emitting diodes OLED. In an embodiment, the firstinorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be in contact with the protrudingtip PTP. The first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 may be in contactwith the inorganic insulating layer IIL. Thus, external moisture andforeign substances may be prevented from being introduced into thecentral corner area CCA and the first adjacent corner area ACA1, orintroduction may be reduced.

FIG. 14A is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturing a displaydevice according to an embodiment. FIGS. 14B and 14C are cross-sectionalviews of a display device under manufacture taken along line P-P′ ofFIG. 14A. FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a method of manufacturinga display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, at least one organic encapsulating layermay be formed on at least one inorganic encapsulating layer. In anembodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 may be formed on thefirst inorganic encapsulating layer 310.

When at least one organic encapsulating layer is formed, the first pixelarray PXA1, a second pixel array PXA2, and a third pixel array PXA3 maybe checked. In an embodiment, it may be checked in which direction eachof the first pixel array PXA1, the second pixel array PXA2 and the thirdpixel array PXA3 extends.

In an embodiment, the shapes of the central area CA, the first area A1,the second area A2, and the middle corner area MCA may be checked. In anembodiment, the shape of at least one of the organic pattern line OPLand the auxiliary organic pattern line AOPL may be checked.

Then, monomer may be discharged in consideration of the first pixelarray PXA1, the second pixel array PXA2, and the third pixel array PXA3.In an embodiment, the monomer may be discharged in the extendeddirection in consideration of a direction in which each of the firstpixel array PXA1, the second pixel array PXA2 and the third pixel arrayPXA3 extends. The monomer may be a material included in at least oneorganic encapsulating layer.

In an embodiment, the monomer may be discharged to the central area CA,the first area A1, the second area A2, and the middle corner area MCA.In an embodiment, the monomer may be discharged in consideration of theshape of at least one of the organic pattern line OPL and the auxiliaryorganic pattern line AOPL. For example, the monomer may be discharged sothat at least one organic encapsulating layer may be formed similarly tothe shape of the organic pattern line OPL.

In an embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 may fill the holeHL. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer 320 may fill aplurality of holes HL. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulating layer320 may fill any one of the plurality of holes HL and may not fill theother one of the plurality of holes HL. In some embodiments, the organicencapsulating layer 320 may not fill the hole HL.

At least one organic encapsulating layer may include a firstencapsulating area covering the first display element, a secondencapsulating area covering the second display element, and a thirdencapsulating area covering a third display element. In an embodiment,the organic encapsulating layer 320 may include a first encapsulatingarea 320A covering the first organic light emitting diode OLED1 as afirst display element, a second encapsulating area 320B covering thesecond organic light emitting diode OLED2 as a second display element,and a third encapsulating area 320C covering the third organic lightemitting diode OLED3 as a third display element.

The first encapsulating area 320A, the second encapsulating area 320B,and the third encapsulating area 320C may be separated from each otherbased on the organic pattern OPT. For example, the first encapsulatingarea 320A may extend from the first organic light emitting diode OLED1to the organic pattern OPT arranged in the central corner area CCA. Thesecond encapsulating area 320B may extend from the second organic lightemitting diode OLED2 to the organic pattern OPT adjacent to the secondorganic light emitting diode OLED2. The third encapsulating area 320Cmay extend from the third organic light emitting diode OLED3 to theorganic pattern OPT adjacent to the third organic light emitting diodeOLED3.

Unlike in the present embodiment, when the organic pattern OPT entirelysurrounds the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 and the thirdorganic light emitting diode OLED3, or when the organic pattern OPTentirely surrounds the second pixel array PXA2 and the third pixel arrayPXA3, or when the organic pattern OPT extends along edges of the firstadjacent corner area ACA1, the monomer may be discharged inconsideration of edges of the first adjacent corner area ACA1. In thiscase, the amount of monomer to be discharged to the first adjacentcorner area ACA1 or a method of discharging monomer may need to beseparately set. Also, the amount of monomer discharged to the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 may be greater than the amount of monomerdischarged to one extension area EA, and monomer discharged to the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 may overflow beyond the organic pattern OPT.In this case, at least one organic encapsulating layer may be formedeven in the outer area OA. At least one organic encapsulating layerformed in the outer area OA may connect the central corner area CCA andthe first adjacent corner area ACA1 to each other. Thus, stress appliedwhen the central corner area CCA is bent, may be increased so that thedisplay panel and/or the display device may be damaged.

In the present embodiment, in the first adjacent corner area ACA1, theorganic pattern OPT may surround each of the second organic lightemitting diode OLED2 and the third organic light emitting diode OLED3.Alternatively, in the first adjacent corner area ACA1, the organicpattern OPT may surround each of the second pixel array PXA2 and thethird pixel array PXA3. In this case, the amount of monomer to bedischarged to the first adjacent corner area ACA1, the second adjacentcorner area ACA2, and the central corner area CCA and/or a method ofdischarging monomer may be simultaneously set. Also, monomer may bedischarged in consideration of the extension direction of the secondpixel array PXA2 and the third pixel array PXA3, and at least oneorganic encapsulating layer may be prevented or reduced from beingformed in the outer area OA. Thus, stress applied when the centralcorner area CCA is bent may be reduced.

The second organic encapsulating layer 330 may be formed on the organicencapsulating layer 320. The second organic encapsulating layer 330 maybe entirely and continuously formed in the first adjacent corner areaACA1 and the central corner area CCA similarly to the first inorganicencapsulating layer 310. In an embodiment, the second inorganicencapsulating layer 330 may be in contact with the first inorganicencapsulating layer 310 on the organic pattern OPT.

Referring to FIGS. 14C and 15, the substrate layer 100L may be detachedfrom the support substrate SS. In an embodiment, the substrate layer100L may be detached from the support substrate SS according to a laserreleasing method of irradiating laser onto the substrate layer 100L.Laser may be irradiated in a direction from the lower surface SSLS ofthe support substrate SS to the upper surface SSUS of the supportsubstrate SS. Thus, the laser may be irradiated toward the lower surfaceof the substrate layer 100 that faces the upper surface SSUS of thesupport substrate SS. The laser may be, for example, an excimer laserhaving a wavelength of 308 nm, or a solid ultraviolet (UV) laser havinga wavelength of 343 nm or 355 nm.

A first penetration area PA1 in which adjacent ends of the plurality ofextension areas EA are spaced apart from each other, may be formed. Thefirst penetration area PA1 may be an empty area of the display panel 10.Elements of the display panel 10 may not be arranged in the firstpenetration area PA1. In other words, adjacent edges of the plurality ofextension areas EA may be defined by the first penetration area PA1.Because the adjacent ends of the plurality of extension areas EA arespaced apart from each other by the first penetration area PA1, theplurality of extension areas EA may be contracted. Thus, the displaypanel 10 may be bent in the central corner area CCA without damage.

A second penetration area PA2 in which an end of the adjacent centralcorner area CCA and an end of the first adjacent corner area ACA1 arespaced apart from each other, may be formed. The second penetration areaPA2 may be an empty area of the display panel 10. Elements of thedisplay panel 10 may not be arranged in the second penetration area PA2.In other words, an edge of the first adjacent corner area ACA1 and anedge of the extension area EA of the central corner area CCA that faceeach other may be defined by the second penetration area PA2.

A third penetration area PA3 in which the end of the adjacent centralcorner area CCA and the end of the second adjacent corner area ACA2 arespaced apart from each other, may be formed. The third penetration areaPA3 may be an empty area of the display panel 10. Elements of thedisplay panel 10 may not be arranged in the third penetration area PA3.In other words, the edge of the second adjacent corner area ACA2 and theedge of the extension area EA of the central corner area CCA that faceeach other may be defined by the third penetration area PA3.

The blocking layer BL may be arranged below the inorganic insulatingpattern IIP, the dummy upper inorganic pattern DUPT, and the dummyorganic pattern DOPT and absorb the laser. Thus, even when laser isirradiated, the organic insulating pattern IIP, the dummy upperinorganic pattern DUPT, and the dummy organic pattern DOPT may not bedetached from the support substrate SS.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, a display panel 10 may be bent. In an embodiment,the corner area CNA that overlaps the corner CN of the display panel 10may be bent. In an embodiment, in the corner area CNA, a guide film maybe arranged under the display panel 10 and may be bent in a vacuumstate. In an embodiment, the corner area CNA may be bent by athermoforming manner.

In an embodiment, the central corner area CCA may be bent. In anembodiment, the corner area CNA may include a third curvature radius R3.

Referring to FIG. 17, a cover window CW may be arranged on the displaypanel 10 manufactured as described above. In an embodiment, the coverwindow CW may be arranged in the central area CA and the corner areaCNA. In an embodiment, the cover window CW may be arranged in thecentral area CA and the central corner area CCA.

In an embodiment, the display panel 10 and the cover window CW may bebonded together. The display panel 10 and the cover window CW may beconnected to each other by an optical transparent adhesive (not shown).The display panel 10 may be bonded to the cover window CW through alamination process. Thus, the cover window CW may be arranged in thecorner area CNA of the display panel 10. In the display device 1according to an embodiment, the corner area CNA may be bent so that thesense of aesthetics may be enhanced.

FIGS. 18 through 20 are plan views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a display device according to another embodiment. In FIGS.18 through 20, the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 9 and 15refer to the same elements, and thus a redundant description thereofwill be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 18, the blocking layer BL may be formed on the supportsubstrate SS. The blocking layer BL may be formed to correspond to thecorner CN in the display panel and/or the display device undermanufacture. In an embodiment, a plurality of blocking layers BL may beprovided. The plurality of blocking layers BL may be spaced apart fromeach other. Each of the plurality of blocking layers BL may include anextension portion.

Then, a substrate layer may be formed on the blocking layer BL and thesupport substrate SS. Subsequently, a method of forming a display paneland/or a display device is similar to FIGS. 11A through 14C and thus, adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the substrate layer may be detached from the support substrate SS.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a first penetration area PA1 in whichadjacent ends of the plurality of extension areas EA are spaced apartfrom each other, may be formed. A second penetration area PA2 in whichthe end of the adjacent central corner area CCA and the end of the firstadjacent corner area ACA1 are spaced apart from each other, may beformed. A third penetration area PA3 in which the end of the adjacentcentral corner area CCA and the end of the second adjacent corner areaACA2 are spaced apart from each other, may be formed.

The substrate layer 100L detached from the support substrate may includea central area CA, a first area A1, a second area A2, a corner area CNA,a guide area GA, and a connection area CNTA. The corner area CNA maysurround at least a portion of the central area CA, the first area A1,and the second area A2. The corner area CNA may include a central cornerarea CCA, a first adjacent corner area ACA1, a second adjacent cornerarea ACA2, and a middle corner area MCA. The central corner area CCA mayinclude a plurality of extension areas EA.

The guide area GA may be an area that extends from an end of theextension area EA. A plurality of guide areas GA may be provided. In anembodiment, the guide area GA may be between adjacent first penetrationareas PA1, between the first penetration area PA1 and the secondpenetration area PA2, and between the first penetration area PA1 and thethird penetration area PA3.

The connection area CNTA may connect a plurality of guide areas GA, thefirst adjacent corner area ACA1, and the second adjacent corner areaACA2. In an embodiment, the connection area CNTA, the plurality of guideareas GA, the first adjacent corner area ACA1, and the second adjacentcorner area ACA2 may be integrally provided.

In an embodiment, the first penetration area PA1, the second penetrationarea PA2, and the third penetration area PA3 may be spaced apart fromeach other. Each of the first penetration area PA1, the secondpenetration area PA2, and the third penetration area PA3 may have asingle closed curve shape. In an embodiment, the plurality of extensionareas EA, the plurality of guide areas GA, the first adjacent cornerarea ACA1, and the second adjacent corner area ACA2 may define the firstpenetration area PA1, the second penetration area PA2, and the thirdpenetration area PA3 each having a single closed curve shape.

When the substrate layer 100L is separated from the support substrate,the guide area GA may fix the extension area EA to the connection areaCNTA. Thus, when the substrate layer 100L is separated from the supportsubstrate, damage of the extension area EA or unintended deformation maybe prevented or reduced.

Then, at least a portion of the connection area CNTA may be removed. Inan embodiment, the connection area CNTA may be cut along a cutting lineCUL. For example, the connection area CNTA may be laser-cut along thecutting line CUL. In an embodiment, when at least a portion of theconnection area CNTA is removed, a portion of the guide area GA may alsobe removed. In an embodiment, the other portion of the guide area GA mayremain in the end of the extension area EA and may be an auxiliaryextension area AEA.

As described above, a display panel and a display device according toone or more embodiments may include a first display element arranged ina central corner area extending in a direction away from a central area,a second display element and a third display element, which are arrangedin a first adjacent corner area adjacent to the central corner area, andeach of the first display element, the second display element, and thethird display element may be surrounded by an organic pattern. Thus,because a second penetration area between the central corner area andthe first adjacent corner area may be maintained as an empty area, thereliability of the display panel and the display device may beincreased.

Also, in a method of manufacturing a display device according to one ormore embodiment, a display device in which a second penetration area ismaintained as an empty area by an organic pattern, may be easilymanufactured.

Although certain embodiments and implementations have been describedherein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from thisdescription. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not limited to suchembodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims andvarious obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as would beapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display panel comprising: a substrate includinga central area and a corner area, wherein the corner area includes acentral corner area including a plurality of extension areas extendingin a direction away from the central area and a first adjacent cornerarea adjacent to the central corner area; a plurality of displayelements including a first display element arranged in the plurality ofextension areas and a second display element and a third display elementarranged in the first adjacent corner area; and an organic patternarranged on the substrate and surrounding each of the first displayelement, the second display element, and the third display element,wherein: ends of the plurality of adjacent extension areas are spacedapart from each other by a first penetration area; and an end of thecentral corner area and an end of the first adjacent corner area thatare adjacent to each other are spaced apart from each other by a secondpenetration area.
 2. The display panel of claim 1, further comprising aninorganic pattern arranged in the first adjacent corner area, wherein:each of the first display element, the second display element, and thethird display element is provided in plurality to constitute a firstpixel array, a second pixel array, and a third pixel array,respectively; the organic pattern surrounds each of the first pixelarray, the second pixel array, and the third pixel array; and theinorganic pattern extends between the second pixel array and the thirdpixel array.
 3. The display panel of claim 2, wherein the inorganicpattern surrounds at least a portion of each of the second pixel arrayand the third pixel array.
 4. The display panel of claim 2, wherein theinorganic pattern comprises: a first portion extending in a directioncloser to the central area; a curved portion extending from the firstportion in a curve shape; and a second portion extending from the curvedportion in a direction away from the central area.
 5. The display panelof claim 1, further comprising an inorganic pattern arranged in thefirst adjacent corner area; and an organic insulating layer arranged onthe inorganic pattern and having a hole overlapping at least a portionof the inorganic pattern, wherein the plurality of display elements andthe organic pattern are arranged on the organic insulating layer.
 6. Thedisplay panel of claim 5, further comprising an upper inorganic patternarranged between the organic insulating layer and the organic patternand having a protruding tip protruding in a center direction of thehole.
 7. The display panel of claim 1, further comprising anencapsulating layer covering the plurality of display elements andcomprising at least one inorganic encapsulating layer and at least oneorganic encapsulating layer, wherein: the at least one organicencapsulating layer comprises a first encapsulating area covering thefirst display element, a second encapsulating layer covering the seconddisplay element, and a third encapsulating area covering the thirddisplay element; and the first encapsulating area, the secondencapsulating area, and the third encapsulating area are separated fromeach other based on the organic pattern.
 8. The display panel of claim1, further comprising: an inorganic insulating layer arranged betweenthe substrate and the plurality of display elements; and a lower organicinsulating layer arranged between the inorganic insulating layer and theplurality of display elements, wherein the inorganic insulating layerand the lower organic insulating layer arranged in the central cornerarea are disconnected from the inorganic insulating layer and the lowerorganic insulating layer arranged in the first adjacent corner area withthe second penetration area therebetween, and the inorganic insulatinglayer and the lower organic insulating layer arranged in the firstadjacent corner area are respectively continuously arranged.
 9. Thedisplay panel of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises: a first areaextending from the central area in a first direction; and a second areaextending from the central area in a second direction crossing the firstdirection, the corner area surrounds at least a portion of the firstarea, the second area, and the central area, and at least a portion ofthe first area is arranged between the central area and the firstadjacent corner area in the first direction.
 10. The display panel ofclaim 9, wherein: the corner area further comprises a second adjacentcorner area adjacent to the central corner area; an end of the centralcorner area and an end of the second adjacent corner area are spacedapart from each other by a third penetration area; and at least aportion of the second area is arranged between the central area and thesecond adjacent corner area in the second direction.
 11. A displaydevice comprising: a display panel; and a cover window arranged on thedisplay panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a substrateincluding a central area and a corner area being bent, wherein thecorner area includes a central corner area including a plurality ofextension areas extending in a direction away from the central area anda first adjacent corner area adjacent to the central corner area; aplurality of display elements comprising a first display elementarranged in the plurality of extension areas and a second displayelement and a third display element arranged in the first adjacentcorner area; and an organic pattern arranged on the substrate andsurrounding each of the first display element, the second displayelement, and the third display element, wherein: ends of the pluralityof adjacent extension areas are spaced apart from each other by a firstpenetration area; and an end of the central corner area and an end ofthe first adjacent corner area are spaced apart from each other by asecond penetration area.
 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein:the display panel further comprises an inorganic pattern arranged on thesubstrate; each of the first display element, the second displayelement, and the third display element is provided in plurality toconstitute a first pixel array, a second pixel array, and a third pixelarray, respectively; and the organic pattern comprises a first portionextending between the second pixel array and the third pixel array andextending in a direction closer to the central area, a curved portionextending from the first portion in a curve shape, and a second portionextending from the curved portion in a direction away from the centralarea.
 13. The display device of claim 11, wherein: the display panelfurther comprises an encapsulating layer covering the plurality ofdisplay elements and comprising at least one inorganic encapsulatinglayer and at least one organic encapsulating layer; the at least oneorganic encapsulating layer comprises a first encapsulating areacovering the first display element, a second encapsulating area coveringthe second display element, and a third encapsulating area covering thethird display element; and the first encapsulating area, the secondencapsulating area, and the third encapsulating area are spaced apartfrom each other based on the organic pattern.
 14. The display device ofclaim 11, wherein the substrate further comprises: a first areaextending from the central area in a first direction; and a second areaextending from the central area in a second direction crossing the firstdirection, wherein: the corner area surrounds at least a portion of thefirst area, the second area, and the central area; and at least aportion of the first area and the first adjacent corner area arearranged and bent in the first direction.
 15. The display device ofclaim 14, wherein: the corner area further comprises a second adjacentcorner area adjacent to the central corner area; an end of the centralcorner area and an end of the second adjacent corner area are spacedapart from each other by a third penetration area; and at least aportion of the second area and the second adjacent corner area arearranged and bent in the second direction.
 16. A method of manufacturinga display device, the method comprising: forming a substrate layer on asupport substrate, wherein the substrate layer includes a central area,a central corner area extending in a direction away from the centralarea, and a first adjacent corner area adjacent to the central cornerarea; forming a plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein the plurality ofpixel electrodes include a first pixel electrode arranged in the centralcorner area, and a second pixel electrode and a third pixel electrodearranged in the first adjacent corner area; forming an organic pattern,wherein the organic pattern surrounds each of the first pixel electrode,the second pixel electrode, and the third pixel electrode; and removingat least a portion of the substrate layer between the central cornerarea and the first adjacent corner area.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising: forming a plurality of display elements by formingan emission layer and an opposite electrode on each of the plurality ofpixel electrodes, wherein the plurality of display elements include afirst display element, a second display element, and a third displayelement; forming at least one inorganic encapsulating layer on theplurality of display elements; and forming at least one organicencapsulating layer on the at least one inorganic encapsulating layer,wherein: the at least one organic encapsulating layer includes a firstencapsulating area covering the first display element, a secondencapsulating area covering the second display element, and a thirdencapsulating area covering the third display element; and the firstencapsulating area, the second encapsulating area, and the thirdencapsulating area are separated from each other based on the organicpattern.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: each of the first displayelements, the second display element, and the third display element isprovided in plurality to constitute a first pixel array, a second pixelarray, and a third pixel array, respectively; and the forming of the atleast one organic encapsulating layer comprises: checking the firstpixel array, the second pixel array, and the third pixel array; anddischarging a monomer in consideration of the first pixel array, thesecond pixel array, and the third pixel array.
 19. The method of claim16, further comprising: forming an inorganic pattern on the substratelayer; and forming an organic insulating layer on the inorganic pattern,wherein the removing of at least a portion of the substrate layercomprises forming a hole exposing at least a portion of the inorganicpattern when at least a portion of the substrate layer is removed. 20.The method of claim 16, further comprising: detaching the substratelayer from the support substrate; bending the central corner area; andarranging a cover window in the central area and the central cornerarea.